The White Tiger: A Novel (Man Booker Prize) | 
 enlarge | Author: Aravind Adiga
Publisher: Free Press
Category: Book
List Price: $14.00
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Rating:  116 reviews
Sales Rank: 47
Media: Paperback
Pages: 304
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.7
ISBN: 1416562605
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.92
EAN: 9781416562603
ASIN: 1416562605
Publication Date: October 14, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Introducing a major literary talent, IThe White Tiger/i offers a story of coruscating wit, blistering suspense, and questionable morality, told by the most volatile, captivating, and utterly inimitable narrator that this millennium has yet seen.PBalram Halwai is a complicated man. Servant. Philosopher. Entrepreneur. Murderer. Over the course of seven nights, by the scattered light of a preposterous chandelier, Balram tells us the terrible and transfixing story of how he came to be a success in life -- having nothing but his own wits to help him along.PBorn in the dark heart of India, Balram gets a break when he is hired as a driver for his village's wealthiest man, two house Pomeranians (Puddles and Cuddles), and the rich man's (very unlucky) son. From behind the wheel of their Honda City car, Balram's new world is a revelation. While his peers flip through the pages of IMurder Weekly/i ("Love -- Rape -- Revenge!"), barter for girls, drink liquor (Thunderbolt), and perpetuate the Great Rooster Coop of Indian society, Balram watches his employers bribe foreign ministers for tax breaks, barter for girls, drink liquor (single-malt whiskey), and play their own role in the Rooster Coop. Balram learns how to siphon gas, deal with corrupt mechanics, and refill and resell Johnnie Walker Black Label bottles (all but one). He also finds a way out of the Coop that no one else inside it can perceive.PBalram's eyes penetrate India as few outsiders can: the cockroaches and the call centers; the prostitutes and the worshippers; the ancient and Internet cultures; the water buffalo and, trapped in so many kinds of cages that escape is (almost) impossible, the white tiger. And with a charisma as undeniable as it is unexpected, Balram teaches us that religion doesn't create virtue, and money doesn't solve every problem -- but decency can still be found in a corrupt world, and you can get what you want out of life if you eavesdrop on the right conversations.PSold in sixteen countries around the world, IThe White Tiger/i recalls IThe Death of Vishnu/i and IBangkok 8/i in ambition, scope, and narrative genius, with a mischief and personality all its own. Amoral, irreverent, deeply endearing, and utterly contemporary, this novel is an international publishing sensation -- and a startling, provocative debut.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 111 more reviews...
Captivating book, worthy of the award January 9, 2009
A. Kapilavai
I have been waiting to read this book ever since I heard the Booker buzz and I was not disappointed. Although there are many books written by Indian authors showcasing the great divide that is India, this novel struck a cord like no other. Maybe it was the dark humor or the simplicity of the narration or the undeniable audience the protagonist commands. The chasm in the lives of the rich and the poor not just intrigues and captivates readers of the west but unsettles the heart of those who are from the subcontinent. This is evident in the number of critical reviews this book has received from many Indian readers.
the real story on India January 9, 2009
Gerald G. Knapton (Pasadena, CA USA)
The events related illustrate and teach much about India that needs to be known by those who do not come from the area. I can see whay many Indians are so upset by the work. They do not claim that what it written is false, mind you, just that Mr. Adiga (a journalist and Native son) should not have told such truths to the world. br /Much of what is told is truly heart breaking. This is not going to make you feel good about the country--but is does give some insights that may be useful in evaluating some of the pressures and views of the people of the nation that will be the most populous in the world and one of the two world leaders (along with China) sometime in the 21st century. br /
WHITE TIGER January 8, 2009
Jari (Georgia, USA)
I would suggest that if one is even faintly familiar with Indian culture, one's understanding and enjoyment of White Tiger is enhanced. Were I unfamiliar with the culture, I would have enjoyed the book, but with less comprehension of the circumstances of it. Similar to the movie Slumdog Millionaire. A great story, but much better if one has experienced big-city India.
 Overdose of reality January 8, 2009
R Khan (New York, NY)
My credentials in reviewing this book are that I grew up in middle class India. The graphic narrative by Balram aka the White Tiger is poignant and provocative and makes it a very lively read. The reason the book is 'unputdownable' is because of the unexpected twists in Balram's life and his unpredictable, almost eccentric behavior. In spite of finishing this book in record time, I was left with a bad after-taste because of the overdose of squalor and scandals that surround the protagonist. It is hard to label this book as a 'pleasant escape'. It in fact takes you on a journey, gripping you by the lapels, to a world that is painted in blood and debauchery.
90% good, 10% bad January 7, 2009
the pundit (India)
This book is hilarious. It is witty, with the narrator using contemporay language to make fun of rich people, politics, urban life and even Muslims (who I hope will take no offense). The book is a quick read because it is easier to understand than other Booker award-winning books. The book has no plot as such, with no twists in the story that will surprise you. The only unsatisfying element of the book is the murder of Mr Ashok (don't worry, this is not a spoiler as the author reveals it right at the start of the book) because he is such a likeable character who is polite, and treats the narrator so well inspite of him being the servant.
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