The White Tiger

A Novel

By: Aravind Adiga

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

British Book Awards, Author of the Year, 2009.

Man Booker Prize, Fiction, 2008.

No saris. No scents. No spices. No music. No lyricism. No illusions.

This is India now.

Balram 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. Born in a village in the dark heart of India, Balram gets a break when he is hired as a driver for a wealthy man, two Pomeranians (Puddles and Cuddles), and the rich man's (very unlucky) son.

Through Balram's eyes, we see India as we've never seen it before: the cockroaches and the call centers, the prostitutes and the worshippers, the water buffalo and, trapped in so many kinds of cages that escape is (almost) impossible, the white tiger.

With a charisma as undeniable as it is unexpected, Balram teaches us that religion doesn't create morality 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.

©2008 Aravind Adiga (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Balram's evolution from likable village boy to cold-blooded killer is fascinating and believable." ( Library Journal)
"A brutal view of India's class struggles is cunningly presented in Adiga's debut....It's the perfect antidote to lyrical India." ( Publishers Weekly)

A Servant No More

An intriguing story very descriptive of modern day India and the continuation of the caste system. Narration was outstanding and made the story come alive.

Enigmatic entrepreneurialism

Loved the book’s subject matter. An interesting perspective. Applicable to any time, culture, people. I could almost smell the flavor of India without ever having been there. The reader’s performance was perfect!

Pretty good ... but falls short of the hype

I like the premise of the story, and how it portraits the vast gulf between the rich powerful class and the poor working class. Certainly open ones eyes to the fact that India still has a dark side today (or as the author calls it.. 'the darkness'). The story is also has some dark humorous moments.
The parts I don't like about the book is the last little bit. It felt like it was hurried and the story the author seems to have run out of time or something. I would have preferred if he had spent a bit more time on it.
Overall, the story is better than the 3 that was indicated. I would have given it a 3.5 if the rating system had allowed it.

One of my favorite fictional stories

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A book for all. Clever, funny, relatable without being too heavy.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The White Tiger?

Countless, just read it and find your own favorite. I tend to fall deeply for the moments in which the character speaks to my own soul and gives me some kind of self awareness about my own life. Plenty of these moments without without the feeling that it was ever intentional. Love that.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. It took a chapter or two for me to fully digest his accent as horrible as it is to admit but loved that it helped me dig deeper into the character thereafter.

If you could rename The White Tiger, what would you call it?

I wouldn't.

Any additional comments?

Just try it. It's a quick read, will give you a good laugh here and there and if you want it to, will give you some perspective on your inner "entrepreneur"!

India. 21st Century Wild West

Any additional comments?

This book has it all. A surprise ending that would make M.Night Shyamalan envious and much more gritty than Slum Dog Millionaire. Captivating!

It's a Wild West, every man for himself, desperate, modern day gold rush in India.
Our main character explains in detail, his every choice and action, and leaves nothing to the imagination.

The narrator John Lee should be nominated for an award for his performance with this book.
With over 300 audiobooks under my belt this was the most memorable. He was perfect.

Fantastic insight on human nature

I loved this novel. It sheds a new light on human nature and gives a modern day example of what happens when humans feel as though they are backed against a wall. It also displays the most basic form of human desire, the desire to be happy. As an audience member, I felt as though I was actually part of the story.

Funny, creative, really unique

One of my favorite audio books of all time - surprising the way it develops, perfectly narrated for this story, audacious characters, just so surprising and darkly comedic.

White Tigers Are So Rare These Days

Would you consider the audio edition of The White Tiger to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What other book might you compare The White Tiger to and why?

I have never read a book quite like this one.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

He is a very gifted reader. I look forward to listening to more of his work.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and felt some sadness too.

Any additional comments?

I am so impressed with the great skill of this author, Adiga. He has woven such a clever tale of truth and wisdom about the working poor. In a very clever way, Mr. Adiga has taught us something while he entertained us with this wonderful story. This book is a true gift of pleasure and insight.

Pretty Easy listen

Pretty easy listen and easy to follow. I would listen to it again.

Powerful story, limited narration

A rather powerful story, unfortunately brought down by an unauthentic narration. Like characters of color should not be played by people putting on a brown or black face, this story should not have been performed by a non-Indian putting on an accent.