The White Tiger is a letter written to the Premier of China by Balram Halwai, an unredeemable character who does nothing to charm you to his side in spite of his character. Balram is writing to inform the Premier of the truth about Bangalore, and what better way than by telling his story.
Balram's story begins in poverty, travels through his occupation as a servant, acknowledges the murder he commits and culminates in his success as an entrepeneur. He is almost impossible to like, so much, in fact, that is difficult to feel sorry for his circumstances. Balram is a contradictory combination of ignorance and cunning; he believes that cell phones shrink the testicles, that Beijing is the "Capital of the Freedom-loving Nation of China" and is able to start and run successful company.
Mr. Adiga does a wonderful job weaving his story. He makes no apologies for Balram and lays bare Balram's India and all who inhabit it. Reading it, one kind of marvels at the circumstances and characters involved, wondering how any of it is possible and thankful they're not in it.
Favorite Quotes:
"A rich man's body is like a premium cotton pillow, white and soft and blank. The story of a poor man's life is written on his body, in a sharp pen."
"Like eunuchs discussing the Kama Sutra, the voters discuss the elections in Laxmangarh."
Overall Opinion:
There was almost no one to like in the story and a relief when it was over. It is a measure of Aravind Adiga's writing skill that the reader can so despise the characters and circumstances while still enjoying the story.
Rating:
7
