Book Review: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

The book of Aravind Adiga entitled, The White Tiger, is  packed with eye-opening information on the positive and negative issues India has been facing  both in the past and present . Through the narration of Balram Halwai, the main character in the novel, I am as if brought to India and experience in the pages its culture, society, and religion.

Balram tackles so many serious topics such as how pitiful the plight of a servant’s life is in  his country, the widespread corruption taking place in the government, and poverty that leads a family to risk even their health, relationships, and security. Despite this,  the author writes the  plot, scenes, and the conversations in a quirky and comical way that will tickle you but at the same time drive you to feel deeply with the characters in the story.

The author brings out the mood, actuations, and behavior of Balram sufficiently and effectively. The turn over of events will surprise and entertain you so the book is definitely not a bore to read. Very truthful and tangible.

The writer presents how Balram, once a poor man, became a rich and successful entrepreneur. The social reality in his place is unleashed as you go along the story.  Injustices from home to politics are discussed through the impelling voice of Balram. You’ll notice how desperate Balram’s family  in finding solutions on how to combat poverty . The degrading effects of corruption such as the increasing gap between the powerful and the powerless are talked about.

Nevertheless, the writer also mentions how some parts of India are becoming progressive due to the new buildings being constructed as well as the rise of some  booming industries.

It always comes to a point that no matter how educated our leaders are or how successful businesses are in a country, those living in slums and sidewalks will have a low chance of a better future if the government steals the money of the masses.  This truth isn’t only seen in India but in other countries as well.

     

Balram is an epitome of a person who is deprived of his rights, dreams, and dignity. Due to the overwhelming degrading circumstances he and his family had experienced under the  oppressive officials of their community, he was able to think of the unthinkable – of something dangerous and grueling. His master, Ashok, to whom he drove for is a person who couldn’t fully stand up for his own convictions despite his good intentions. The plot leads us to the two being brainwashed by the darkness that encompasses them. They have allowed external dilemma to change what is clean and honest within their hearts.

     

The White Tiger isn’t confusing. It tells the story without going around the bush. As the whole novel is some kind of a letter to a famous leader in China, Premier Jiabao, it’s as if it is directed to you, the reader, as you leaf its pages. Each character is also unique and can deliver on its own. Each represents a certain group or caste to fluidly elaborate social entities in India.

     

The book is just worth contemplating on. It opens your mind to how one should fight for his beliefs if he certainly and conscientiously knows the right from bad, if he knows that his values cannot harm the lives of his fellowmen but rather, contribute to the wellness of his community. And yes, some people may climb the ladder by kicking others down but success is sweeter when you know that on your way up, you haven’t stepped on someone else’s foot.