"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Balram Halwai, the eponymous ‘white tiger’, is a diminutive, overweight ex-teashop worker who now earns his living as a chauffeur. But this is only one side of his protean personality; he deals in confidence scams, over-ambitious business promotions (built on the shakiest of foundations) and enjoys approaching life with a philosophical turn of mind. But is Balram also a murderer? We learn the answer as we devour these 500 odd pages. Born into an impoverished family, Balram is removed from school by his parents in order to earn money in a thankless job: shop employee. He is forced into banal, mind-numbing work. But Balram dreams of escaping -- and a chance arises when a well-heeled village landlord takes him on as a chauffeur for his son (although the duties involve transporting the latter's wife and two Pomeranian dogs). From the rich new perspective offered to him in this more interesting job, Balram discovers New Delhi, and a vision of the city changes his life forever. His learning curve is very steep, and he quickly comes to believe that the way to the top is by the most expedient means. And if that involves committing the odd crime of violence, he persuades himself that this is what successful people must do.
The story of the amoral protagonist at the centre of this fascinating narrative is, of course, what keeps the reader comprehensively gripped, but perhaps the real achievement of the book is in its picture of two Indias: the bleak, soul-destroying poverty of village life and the glittering prizes to be found in the big city. The book cleverly avoids fulfilling any of the expectations a potential reader might have -- except that of instructing and entertaining. The White Tiger will have many readers anxious to see what Adiga will do next. --Barry Forshaw
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Balram Halwai is the White Tiger - the smartest boy in his village. His family is too poor for him to afford for him to finish school and he has to work in a teashop, breaking coals and wiping tables. But Balram gets his break when a rich man hires him as a chauffeur, and takes him to live in Delhi. The city is a revelation. As he drives his master to shopping malls and call centres, Balram becomes increasingly aware of immense wealth and opportunity all around him, while knowing that he will never be able to gain access to that world. As Balram broods over his situation, he realizes that there is only one way he can become part of this glamorous new India - by murdering his master. The White Tiger presents a raw and unromanticised India, both thrilling and shocking - from the desperate, almost lawless villages along the Ganges, to the booming Wild South of Bangalore and its technology and outsourcing centres. The first-person confession of a murderer, The White Tiger is as compelling for its subject matter as for the voice of its narrator - amoral, cynical, unrepentant, yet deeply endearing. Winner of the Man Booker prize 2008Winner of the Galaxy British Book Awards 'Author of The Year' 2009'[An] extraordinary and brilliant first novel. Adiga is a real writer - that is to say, someone who forges an original voice and vision.' - Sunday Times Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781848878082
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9781848878082
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 336 pages. 7.80x5.08x0.83 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __1848878087
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. BRAND NEW ** SUPER FAST SHIPPING FROM UK WAREHOUSE ** 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Seller Inventory # 9781848878082-GDR
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Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-1848878087-new
Book Description Condition: New. WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2008 WINNER OF THE GALAXY BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 'AUTHOR OF THE YEAR' 2009 '[An] extraordinary and brilliant first novel. Adiga is a real writer - that is to say, someone who forges an original voice and vision.' Sunday Times Num Pages: 336 pages. BIC Classification: FA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 196 x 130 x 25. Weight in Grams: 240. 2012. Main. Paperback. . . . . Seller Inventory # 9781848878082
Book Description Condition: New. WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2008 WINNER OF THE GALAXY BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 'AUTHOR OF THE YEAR' 2009 '[An] extraordinary and brilliant first novel. Adiga is a real writer - that is to say, someone who forges an original voice and vision.' Sunday Times Num Pages: 336 pages. BIC Classification: FA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 196 x 130 x 25. Weight in Grams: 240. 2012. Main. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # 9781848878082