Book 9: 1 May 2009
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?
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.
White Tiger is Adiga’s first novel and has been lauded by all who review it.
Described as “[A] blazingly savage and brilliant first novel” which “[strips] away the veneer of ‘India Rising’” (Neel Mukherjee, Sunday Telegraph), White Tiger has been also been praised for its protagonist’s unique voice: “The voice of Halwai – witty, pithy, ultimately psychopathic… [is] remarkable” (Adam Lively, Sunday Times). There are millions of other reviews, way too many to record here.
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