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The White Tiger

A Novel

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The White Tiger

Written by: Aravind Adiga
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

British Book Awards, Author of the Year, 2009.

Man Booker Prize, Fiction, 2008.

No saris. No scents. No spices. No music. No lyricism. No illusions.

This is India now.

Balram Halwai is a complicated man. Servant. Philosopher. Entrepreneur. Murderer. Over the course of seven nights, by the scattered light of a preposterous chandelier, Balram tells us the terrible and transfixing story of how he came to be a success in life - having nothing but his own wits to help him along. Born in a village in the dark heart of India, Balram gets a break when he is hired as a driver for a wealthy man, two Pomeranians (Puddles and Cuddles), and the rich man's (very unlucky) son.

Through Balram's eyes, we see India as we've never seen it before: the cockroaches and the call centers, the prostitutes and the worshippers, the water buffalo and, trapped in so many kinds of cages that escape is (almost) impossible, the white tiger.

With a charisma as undeniable as it is unexpected, Balram teaches us that religion doesn't create morality and money doesn't solve every problem - but decency can still be found in a corrupt world, and you can get what you want out of life if you eavesdrop on the right conversations.

©2008 Aravind Adiga (P)2008 Tantor Coming of Age Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery World Literature Fiction Sports

What the critics say

"Balram's evolution from likable village boy to cold-blooded killer is fascinating and believable." ( Library Journal)
"A brutal view of India's class struggles is cunningly presented in Adiga's debut....It's the perfect antidote to lyrical India." ( Publishers Weekly)
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Most relevant
A fascinating story, even better than the movie. the narrator's fake Indian accent initially put me off but, yoy get used to it. Highly recommended.

A Fascinating Story

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India and corruption go hand in hand, although for the people of that country the narrator tells a tale of survival.

I think...

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absolutely riveting story. had me hooked the whole time. great story and funny as well.

Phenomenal!

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The sarcastic humor was so enjoyable and yet the story was poignant at the same time. A great glimpse into a culture of family ties and deep divisions within Indian society.

Laugh out loud funny

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hard to follow ,story line not great not the kind of book I would normally listen to.

not great

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This was a fun listen, I enjoyed it very much. I’d recommend to explore another world for a little while

Fun story

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I'd love this book it wasn't long enough I laughed and actually I thought it was educational

excellent great read

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boring audio book tbh. that's ok though. it's over which is all that matters yay.

meh

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