Monday, December 1, 2008

The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga

This book clearly explains how the Master/Servant relationship is in India.The Story revolves around Balram Halwai, a servant who went on to became a entrepreneur.The story starts in Laxmangarh where Balram was born and had his elementary school.From the beginning itself the author explains how the mindset of the typical servant family.The way Balram became a driver and then to a good servant is explained wonderfully specially how he likes Mr.Ashok his Master .
The other side of the story deals with how a bus conductor became a Politician and how he dislikes rich people.From behind the wheel of Honda, Balram sees Delhi and its true color.He eavesdrops all the conversations of his masters which he says "is a education".Desire to better himself he plot a plan to kill his Master Ashok, eventhough Balram liked Ashok he has to do something to come out and make his way top.I really like the way the author explains the Indian Mentality with "Rooster coop".
The White Tiger is a tale of two Indias.The life in the Darkness(servant,Village) and the life in the Light (Master,enterpreneur).I think the author is correct in choosing Wen Jiabo, Chinese Premier, as the listener of Balram's story.

This book won "The Man Booker Prize 2008".This is the first book for Arvind Adiga.He was born in Madras(chennai).He Currently lives in Mumbai.

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