Discover books similar to "The White Tiger"
Aravind Adiga
The White Tiger
3.74
"The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on class and corruption in modern India. Told through the eyes of Balram Halwai, a poor villager who rises to become a driver for a wealthy family, the story provides a raw and unfiltered look at the stark divide between the rich and the poor in India. Balram, who narrates the story in the form of a letter to the Chinese Premier, is a complex and morally ambiguous character. He is both a victim of a corrupt system and a perpetrator of violence, making for a gripping and often uncomfortable read. Adiga's prose is sharp and vivid, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of India in a way that is both vivid and unsettling. One of the key themes of the novel is the idea of the "White Tiger" - a rare and powerful creature that represents the few individuals who are able to break free from the constraints of their social class and achieve success. Balram sees himself as a White Tiger, and his journey from poverty to wealth is both a triumph and a tragedy. The novel also explores the corrupting influence of power and wealth, as Balram becomes increasingly ruthless in his pursuit of success. Through his experiences, Adiga raises important questions about the nature of ambition, morality, and the true cost of success. Overall, "The White Tiger" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to confront their assumptions about class, power, and the nature of success. It is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Indian literature, or in the broader issues of social inequality and the corrupting influence of power.
List of books similar to "The White Tiger":
Arundhati Roy
The God of Small Things
Like 'The White Tiger', this book explores the harsh realities of social stratification in India. However, instead of focusing on the rise of a servant to entrepreneur, Roy delves into the lives of twins Estha and Rahel, whose lives are upended by a series of small events and societal pressures.
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Jhumpa Lahiri
Interpreter of Maladies
Lahiri's short story collection explores the lives of Indian immigrants and their children in America, much like 'The White Tiger' explores the lives of those in India. The stories delve into themes of identity, culture, and the immigrant experience.
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Rohinton Mistry
A Fine Balance
Set in India during the Emergency of the 1970s, this novel explores the lives of four individuals from different backgrounds who come together in Mumbai. Like 'The White Tiger', it delves into the harsh realities of life in India, and the struggle to maintain one's dignity and humanity in the face of adversity.
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Salman Rushdie
Midnight's Children
This magical realist novel follows the life of Saleem Sinai, who was born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the same moment India gained its independence. The novel explores the history of India through the eyes of its characters, much like 'The White Tiger'.
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Thrity Umrigar
The Space Between Us
This novel explores the lives of two women in India: Sera, a wealthy Parsi widow, and Bhima, her devoted servant. Like 'The White Tiger', it delves into themes of social inequality, family, and the immigrant experience.
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Kiran Desai
The Inheritance of Loss
This novel explores the lives of several characters in a small town in the Himalayas, including a judge, his orphaned granddaughter, and their cook. Like 'The White Tiger', it delves into themes of social inequality, family, and the immigrant experience.
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Salman Rushdie
The Moor's Last Sigh
This novel follows the life of Moraes Zogoiby, a member of a wealthy Indian family with Portuguese roots, as he navigates the complexities of Indian society. Like 'The White Tiger', it delves into themes of social inequality, family, and the immigrant experience.
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Rebecca Skloot
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
While not set in India, this non-fiction book explores themes of social inequality, ethics, and the human experience, much like 'The White Tiger'. It tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer whose cancer cells were taken without her consent and used to create the first immortal human cell line.
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