In the first of an occasional series of book reviews, the Man Booker prizewinner The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga, impresses a local reader

I know India so well. Or perhaps I feel I know India. Although I have never set foot on the subcontinent, I enjoy the novels of Indian writers and, over the years, the country has become familiar to me. I am convinced that I can never go there as it would be like seeing a film version of a written favourite - a huge disappointment, not as good as the ‘real thing’.

I am rarely impressed by prize-winning novels but that didn’t stop me borrowing this one from my mum-in-law; she had had no such hesitation and had been well rewarded as she loved it.

This unusual story takes the form of a letter written to Wen Jiabao, premier of the People’s Republic of China. It comes from The White Tiger - self styled ‘thinking man and entrepreneur’ and is written in advance of the premier’s visit to Bangalore, on a mission to meet Indian entrepreneurs in the hope that they will disclose the secrets of their success. Jiabao believes he can then take the knowledge back to China where he will use it to transform his nation into a winning society.

The White Tiger is Balram Halwai, son of Vikram and a rickshaw-puller. His story takes us through his life as he is transformed from an unassuming, servile peasant to cold and calculating killer. From the first page we are aware that Balram is a murderer living in some luxury but we begin his journey when he is at the bottom of the heap, exploited by his employers and able to please no-one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read; the narrative is amusing and sometimes extremely funny while stirring compassion and sympathy for a well-meaning man. It is thought-provoking and emotional - but above all it kept my interest through its 321 pages where the last words give a final twist.

Aravind Adiga

Book review by Pippa Price

Pippa Price is the pen name of a writer who has lived in the Pas de Calais for several years. She writes for Frogsiders on a number of topics

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