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)

Eye-opening introduction to the new India

The rapid economic growth of India has been much discussed in business news. This novel takes an unsparing look at how that bustling economy was created on the backs of the poor who dwell in a deeply traditional society. Adinga's novel begins by mentioning the two Indias: the India of light which features tall buildings and wealthy landlords; and "the Darkness", the India of deeply traditional villages from which the poor can only dream of escaping. Balram, the narrator of this story, comes from the Darkness, but finds a way into the other India, and finally commits a desperate act in order to truly emancipate himself from the Darkness. The deed itself is terrible; the consequences for his family are even more terrible; and yet the reader remains sympathetic to Balram, in view of the crushing political and judicial corruption and the overwhelming odds arrayed against him. A powerful and disturbing work.

Great

Anything John Lee Reads about India is going to be special. The books are chosen well and as in this one he puts you in it and allows you to feel the content.

different opinions

Well, it just goes to show that people can have very different opinions. I thought this was a great book, with an unusual style describing a fascinating culture in full 3-D. The disgust with greed, consumerism, and the disregard of those less privileged is timely and refreshing. However, I disagree with many of the reviews because the narrator, John Lee, is just not my cup of tea. He seems to suck the life out of many of the books he reads, and I found his faux accent to be most annoying. I did enjoy the story itself but, wish I had just read the book.

Enjoyable

I loved listening to this book. The narrater's authentic accent helped me to conjure my own movie in my mind. One of my favorites so far since joining audible.

Very good read

Excellent book.

Very well narrated by Mr. Lee.

How to become an Entrepreneur

Humorous and entertaining throughout. His observations on life in general are quirky and kept me giggling. Honestly, I rolled my eyes when I heard the narrator's accent at the beginning and realized it was going to be told in a series of letters, but soon I was looking forward to my next listening session. I really ended up enjoying this.

fascinating

I really enjoyed the main character, his ego and his quirks. A very engrossing listen.

A Fine Read

Very well written and excellent narration. This is
real literature, I'd judge. But it moves as well
as any potboiler. Over too quickly.

Great book. Terrible narration

Very weird narration. Almost fails the book. Weird pronunciation if Indian names and poor accent takes away from the great book.

Great!

Oh my gosh! do you want to know something about the people and country of India? this is the book for you. I loved the main character, and I loved how he dealt with all of his problems and situations. I particularly enjoyed the ending. If you are a follower, and read my reviews I like to tell about the endings. If I don't like the ending I will give a story many less stars, because I find that after spending many hours listening to a story, it can all be ruined by the ending. With this one you will not be disappointed!