The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga)

Member Name: laukez

Product:	The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga
Date:	21/08/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent narrative and brilliant story

Disadvantages: None

I originally picked this book up because it was on my reading list for uni as part of my Geography degree (strange as it may sound). I'm glad I did now, as this book is an outstanding work of fiction, with it's social and political background firmly based in fact.
The book tells the story of Balram Halwai, in the context of a lower caste young man growing up in 'the darkness' (rural) of India, who manages to leave his village to work in the city. I won't retell the whole story, but it is a fascinating tale.
I particularly, as a human and social geographer, found the linkages between the economic developement of India and China interesting, which were made through Balram's letters to the Chinese premier Wem Jiabao. However, there is much to this book which makes it simply an enjoyable work of fiction, with an interesting story to tell set in one of the world's most fascinating countries. It is easy to see why this book won the Booker prize, and in my opinion it is fully deserving.

Summary: A great read