The Indian Holden Caufield

This book was an enjoyable light summer read that was so creative in its way of relaying a story that I cannot stop talking about it. Adiga creates a Holden Caufield type character that reflects on a story of a poor man and his journey to become successful. Selftaught, half-baked Balram-I-am-tomorrow-Halwai writes a series of letters to the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao about the Other India that will never be shown to him. Balram’s movement from Darkness (a menial job in his nondescript village) to Light (driver of a Delhi-based businessman) lets him learn the ropes of what works in India.

Although every Indian cliché is deconstructed within a controlled narrative structure, Adiga is guilty of over-simplification when he reduces the complex caste system to two binaries: Men With Big Bellies and Men With Small Bellies (by the way, where do we women fit in?). This novel is an incisive satire on our troubled times: as mutiny simmers on the sidelines, one lone man makes a choice and grabs his chance to live like a human being.
White Tiger is a captivating read; you will appreciate Adiga for the engaging manner in which he chronicles oppression and resistance.