The White Tiger is the debut novel by Indian author Aravind Adiga. The book won the Man Booker Prize in the same year, so you know you’re in for a good read.
The book gives a dark, yet hysterical take on rural life in India. At the same time gives us an insight into the big bad world of urban society. The novelty in this book lies in the fact that it is narrated in first person by a certain “Balram Halwai”.
The plot deals with Balram’s subtle, conniving and shrewd mind. Besides his thirst for riches, there is an inbuilt desire to take revenge on modern man’s ways and their wayward outlook towards the downtrodden. The overall main theme of the novel is the contrast between India’s rise as a modern global economy and the working class people who live in crushing rural poverty.[2] Other themes touched on include corruption endemic to Indian society and politics, familial loyalty versus independence.
All in all this is a must read as it highlights the contrasting lives and ideologies of the upper and lower class.