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Author:Aravind Adiga

Genre: Novel/Epistoral novel

Publisher: Free Press

Language: English

Pages : 276

We got the great opportunity to dive into the book “The White

Tiger” by Aravind Adiga for our first Reading Book of the year.

The book follows a man named Balram as he writes to the

chinese Mr. Jiabao about how he grew up and how his

experiences shaped who he became.

The main character Balram narrates his story through letters he

writes to a Chinese man, Mr. Jiabao, detailing the true nature of India—the darkness that exists

beyond the light. Initially, Balram, who was raised in the shadowy village of Laxmangarh in

Bodh Gaya, far removed from the brightness and glamour of cities like Delhi or Bangalore, had

to end his education prematurely due to poverty. He shares various anecdotes from his

childhood, one of which involves a government official who once referred to him as The White

Tiger, a rare creature often unseen.

But in the midst of his schooling his father passes away due to tuberculosis because of

insufficient treatment, he is then pulled out of school and put to work in a tea shop by his

grandmother Kusum. But one day he finds out from a man that drivers of the rich also make a

good sum of money. So, at first he goes around trying to ask for training but everything comes at

a cost that he can’t afford. However later Kusum agrees to pay for his training but only and only

if he gives them a substantial portion of his earnings. So, Balram learns how to drive and goes in

search of work.

He faces several rejections before finally securing a job as Mr. Ashok’s driver. Upon arrival, he

discovers that there is already a driver in place, but he devises a way to eliminate him. He then

embarks on a journey with Mr. Ashok and his wife, Pinky Madam. However, during the trip,

Ashok and Pinky Madam decide to separate. Following a series of events, Balram ultimately

commits murder against Ashok to escape servitude and seize the money intended for bribing the

police. He then flees to Bangalore, adopts the name Ashok, and starts a prosperous taxi

business. At the conclusion of the story, Balram contemplates his crime, asserting that he does

not regret it, as it granted him the chance to live as a free man instead of a servant.

Initially, when I started reading the book, it was challenging to connect the various elements, but

as the narrative unfolded, everything began to resonate in my mind, and it ultimately became an

incredibly exciting read. In my opinion, the book effectively addresses the "Eat or Get Eaten Up"

aspect of our society. It made me appreciate not having grown up in the same darkness that

Balram experienced. The story illustrates the lengths to which an individual may go to attain

freedom. Additionally, it highlights the entrenched social hierarchy that persists in our society,

despite advancements in modernity. The book immerses readers in the essence of India and an

atmosphere filled with suspense and excitement, where predicting the next turn of events is

nearly impossible. It emphasizes how Adiga delivers a sharp critique of personal misconduct,

including deceit, hypocrisy, greed, and the flawed political system that collectively undermines

the fundamental human values of society. It truly conveys that the world is far from perfect. It

illustrates people's insatiable desire to consume until they've taken everything for themselves.

To sum it up, I genuinely appreciated this book. I believe it was beautifully written. It highlighted

the essence of humanity and society as a collective. I would certainly suggest that everyone read

this book at least one time. It is an incredibly enlightening work of literature that exposes the

harsh realities of the world. Ultimately, I found this book to be quite enjoyable and a meaningful

read with an important message.