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Nandakishore Mridula's Reviews > The White Tiger
The White Tiger
by
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This review contains what may be spoilers. Even though I do not think it will spoil your reading experience, I am putting the warning here because one reader pointed it out.
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Before I begin my review, a statutory warning to all my patriotic Indian brothers and sisters... this is India-bashing, large scale. If you are the sort of person who gets all worked up when any aspect of India is criticised, this book is not for you.
That said, Arvind Adiga bashes India where it has to be bashed. No honest reader will be able to dispute that the picture of India he paints is a true one. You will find the majority of Indians embarassedly changing the topic when Bihar (the state Adiga names "Darkness") enters the conversation. Most of the things he mentions are not only possible, but probable and even likely. You only have to read any Indian newspaper over the period of a week to know it.
But I believe the author fails in the creation of Munna alias Balram Halwai, the protagonist, because his voice is totally out of character with the person. It is the supercilious voice of a Westernised Indian, detached from his home country by education and station in life that comes through. The street smart Munna who murdered his employer and set up his business in Bangalore will talk in an entirely different way (for example, he will never say "five hundred thousand rupees" - he'll say "five lakhs"). Here, the character just becomes a mouthpiece for the author.
Secondly, Adiga goes overboard in criticising India, so that some of his examples become rather extreme (the immediate one that comes to mind is the schoolteacher boozing and sleeping in the classroom). In some other cases, they are downright silly (Balram buys a dosa and throws out all the potatoes before giving to Mukesh, whereas he could have bought a dosa easily without the potatoes: these are two varieties). It also confirms the opinion I formed of Adiga from his bio that he is that type of Indian Lord Macaulay wanted to create: Indian only by birth but English in spirit.
Lastly, the story failed to hold my interest. Take out all the social criticism and it is nothing but a hollow shell. And the gimmicks, like framing it as a letter to the Chinese premier, are trite to the point of being nauseating.
The only thing that forced me to give two stars to this work is some of the pithy statements Adiga makes about Indian society. Especially the ones about how caste-ridden India was a zoo, with all animals in separate cages when the British let them all out, so now only the ones with the big bellies and the ones with the small bellies are left; about automobile horns during a traffic jam joining together to form a single wail like a lost calf wailing for its mother; and the one about how the major diseases India faces are cholera, typhoid and election fever (though I would also include cricket).
--------------------------------------
Before I begin my review, a statutory warning to all my patriotic Indian brothers and sisters... this is India-bashing, large scale. If you are the sort of person who gets all worked up when any aspect of India is criticised, this book is not for you.
That said, Arvind Adiga bashes India where it has to be bashed. No honest reader will be able to dispute that the picture of India he paints is a true one. You will find the majority of Indians embarassedly changing the topic when Bihar (the state Adiga names "Darkness") enters the conversation. Most of the things he mentions are not only possible, but probable and even likely. You only have to read any Indian newspaper over the period of a week to know it.
But I believe the author fails in the creation of Munna alias Balram Halwai, the protagonist, because his voice is totally out of character with the person. It is the supercilious voice of a Westernised Indian, detached from his home country by education and station in life that comes through. The street smart Munna who murdered his employer and set up his business in Bangalore will talk in an entirely different way (for example, he will never say "five hundred thousand rupees" - he'll say "five lakhs"). Here, the character just becomes a mouthpiece for the author.
Secondly, Adiga goes overboard in criticising India, so that some of his examples become rather extreme (the immediate one that comes to mind is the schoolteacher boozing and sleeping in the classroom). In some other cases, they are downright silly (Balram buys a dosa and throws out all the potatoes before giving to Mukesh, whereas he could have bought a dosa easily without the potatoes: these are two varieties). It also confirms the opinion I formed of Adiga from his bio that he is that type of Indian Lord Macaulay wanted to create: Indian only by birth but English in spirit.
Lastly, the story failed to hold my interest. Take out all the social criticism and it is nothing but a hollow shell. And the gimmicks, like framing it as a letter to the Chinese premier, are trite to the point of being nauseating.
The only thing that forced me to give two stars to this work is some of the pithy statements Adiga makes about Indian society. Especially the ones about how caste-ridden India was a zoo, with all animals in separate cages when the British let them all out, so now only the ones with the big bellies and the ones with the small bellies are left; about automobile horns during a traffic jam joining together to form a single wail like a lost calf wailing for its mother; and the one about how the major diseases India faces are cholera, typhoid and election fever (though I would also include cricket).
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Reading Progress
December 13, 2011
–
Started Reading
December 13, 2011
– Shelved
December 20, 2011
–
76.09%
"Getting a little better as I move ahead; but only a little. The writing is rather trite."
page
210
December 21, 2011
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 111 (111 new)
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Whitaker
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rated it 3 stars
Dec 21, 2011 09:36PM
Lovely lucid criticism from an insider's viewpoint. Thanks!
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Thanks, Whitaker.
I could not agree more. "Oh thy have pity on the land that I once hath frolicked on". There is a very fine line between being a valid cynic and outright mockery; sadly, many "Indian" authors incline towards the latter.
"(for example, he will never say "five hundred thousand rupees" - he'll say "five lakhs")"It annoys to me to no end when an author writing a story set in India tries to cater to western audience in such an obvious manner.
Praj wrote: "I could not agree more. "Oh thy have pity on the land that I once hath frolicked on". There is a very fine line between being a valid cynic and outright mockery; sadly, many "Indian" authors inclin..."Maybe because they are not "Indian" enough, Praj.
mp wrote: ""(for example, he will never say "five hundred thousand rupees" - he'll say "five lakhs")"It annoys to me to no end when an author writing a story set in India tries to cater to western audience ..."
I do not know whether he is doing it purposefully. From the author bio at the back of the book, I understood that Adiga was educated in England and Australia. Perhaps he thinks in millions and billions rather than lakhs and crores; and theirein, IMO, lies the problem.
Nandakishore, this is one of those rare instances when I disagree with the rating but can find no true fault with the review. You back up your conclusion flawlessly. I did not catch the "supercilious voice of a Westernized Indian", but understand now why you would sense that.
Jill, many a time how we perceive something is largely dependent on who we are. I absolutely loved the Kite Runner, but I saw many reviews on this site by people who felt that it demeaned Afghan culture. On hindsight, I can see their point of view.
Yes, you are so right. I picked up The Kite Runner before all the buzz and ended up loving it as well. Our background, life experiences, and reading preferences determine so much, and avid readers often do disagree. That being said, your review is thoughtful and insightful.
Thanks, Jill.
Israel wrote: "I agree with Jill. I loved this book, but possibly I'm the target westerner the author was looking. I also see no faults in your review, either. My Indian experience is literature, travel shows an..."Adiga's voice rings totally false (to me, that is) for the character he is supposed to be portraying. Of course, a non-Indian would not feel that. I do not have a problem with his criticism... only, IMO, that it is not constructive.
Thanks for the encouragement, Israel.
what a great review. I loved this book but, like Israel, I too am the "target westerner" Adiga was writing for. That said, you've made me stop to question my own assumptions and cultural bias, which is always a good thing. I too loved the caged animal metaphors. I guess I came down on the side that the heavy irony-imbued voice of the main character was SO over the top, to the point of parody, that I was ok with it being less than accurate.
I do hate it when people cater to ignorance in the audience of a book. Even I know what lakhs are, and I've read only a few Indian authors. I'd much rather have to look something up and learn something than for the writer to be inauthentic to the subject. =)
Jennifer and Tatiana,The kind of unfortunate souls that Adiga writes about are very much present in Indian society: read any Indian newspaper for a week and you will see many similar stories. But I'd contend that that is the only experience Adiga has - newspaper stories. That is why his character's voice rings false, IMO.
LOL- cricket! :D I like how you could remain pretty much objective. Not everyone is able to do that when it gets so close to home, so 5 stars for your review.
Thanks, Traveller. Only people of the Indian subcontinent and other cricket-playing countries can understand how the mania grips India. One of the most popular slogans - "Cricket is our religion, Sachin (Sachin Tendulkar) is our God" - says it all.
Good one Nandkishore! The book not only failed to hold interest but also disppointed terribly. Though on cricket I cannot comment. You see, my son is a big time cricket fan....:)
Rakhi wrote: "Good one Nandkishore! The book not only failed to hold interest but also disppointed terribly. Though on cricket I cannot comment. You see, my son is a big time cricket fan....:)"Thanks, Rakhi. I am also an avid follower of cricket (though not T20!), but in India the fever reaches epidemic levels, almost bringing all life to standstill... that is what I was remarking on. :)
Nandakishore wrote: "Rakhi wrote: "Good one Nandkishore! The book not only failed to hold interest but also disppointed terribly. Though on cricket I cannot comment. You see, my son is a big time cricket fan....:)"Th..."
Oh Yes, it does I agree, courtsey the ever so enthusiast media.......:)
Brilliant review! There couldn't be a more apt description of what this book is.
Thanks, Richa
My thoughts exactly. Compulsive cynicism and criticism bordering on mockery is bound to disappoint you.
Indira wrote: "My thoughts exactly. Compulsive cynicism and criticism bordering on mockery is bound to disappoint you."Thanks. Whenever I read satire, I am reminded of a couplet by a famous humourist in Malayalam:
"For the rose plant of satire, the humour is the flower, the criticism the thorn.
Understand that the flower is the plant's adornment, and not the thorn."
Adiga's satire is all thorns and very little flower.
I agree with:Lastly, the story failed to hold my interest. Take out all the social criticism and it is nothing but a hollow shell.
Obviously, I could not detect the subtleties pertaining to India that you discuss, but I found the book gimmicky nonetheless.
This is the book I shall read next.
"Take out all the social criticism and it is nothing but a hollow shell. And the gimmicks, like framing it as a letter to the Chinese premier, are trite to the point of being nauseating." Right on spot sir.I wonder how this book got so much acclaim.Like you people were discussing he just fails in looking at India with Indian eyes.
Ravikumar wrote: ""Take out all the social criticism and it is nothing but a hollow shell. And the gimmicks, like framing it as a letter to the Chinese premier, are trite to the point of being nauseating." Right on ..."Unfortunately, the image of India that the Westerner wants to see is being sold... again and again.
Cindy wrote: "Excellent review, friend!"Thank you!
"Lastly, the story failed to hold my interest. Take out all the social criticism and it is nothing but a hollow shell. And the gimmicks, like framing it as a letter to the Chinese premier, are trite to the point of being nauseating."Perfect summary.
Rose wrote: ""Lastly, the story failed to hold my interest. Take out all the social criticism and it is nothing but a hollow shell. And the gimmicks, like framing it as a letter to the Chinese premier, are trit..."Thank you.
"schoolteacher boozing and sleeping in the classroom" is exaggeration..?? thats insightful...hell.. ive seen that in colleges...It pains when we Indians are shown the reality. Its the bloody apathy which allows us to live with sanity in this jungle of ours. And Arivind Adiga shows no such qualms.
And I guess since you are a mallu(like me), you have never been accustomed to the 'darkness'. Maybe balram says five hundred thousand instead of five lakh..ok.. that was an obvious appeasement.. But to really understand balrams condition you have to see the 'darkness'.. before calling him a 'westernized' voice you have to see their meekness, their sense of being a servant ingrained in their heads..the bloody apathy of the landlords and the politicians..
For me, this book was the most authentic indian voice ive ever come across. Something we never really accept or speak loudly, even though its forever crawling under our skulls.....
Dileep,I refer you back to the first paragraph of my review.
"That said, Arvind Adiga bashes India where it has to be bashed. No honest reader will be able to dispute that the picture of India he paints is a false one. You will find the majority of Indians embarassedly changing the topic when Bihar (the state Adiga names "Darkness") enters the conversation. Most of the things he mentions are not only possible, but probable and even likely. You only have to read any Indian newspaper over the period of a week to know it."
I am not the kind of person who goes wild the moment India is criticised. I am talking here about the novel as a literary product: and IMO it fails. The voice of Balram is so grating on the ear, and so false, that I immediately read up the bio of Adiga at the end of the book, which confirmed my suspicions: he is far removed from the Balram's he is trying to portray, much farther than I as a reader.
IMO, the novel is nothing but a gimmick, selling the "dark" side of India to the West to gain quick rewards. Had he written his criticisms down as exposition, it would have had more weight.
Yes.. I do get your point.. As a work of literature he may not deserve a booker. Yes, he dosent use too many italicized hindi words. The kind you find in 'god of small things'(which i found very good).He may not 'sound' authentic, but the issues are very real. very very real. As someone who has lived there, this novel really did trouble my conscience. To call it as a 'gimmick' and think of it as something to solely appease the west in really myopic. The protagonists thoughts, his circumstance, his actions.. they are not fake.. yes, but i do agree that his language was more Columbia university educated than that of a school dropout from the cow belt..
But for all his shortcomings, there is truth in what he says.And really, who reads expositions?? :)
P.S: And for the whole dosa thingy, masala dosas with the potatoes out have this nice lingering taste of the masala which you dont usually get in a plain dosa..:).. just saying.. :D..
Although I really liked the book. I respect your review.
Dileep wrote: "He may not 'sound' authentic, but the issues are very real. very very real. As someone who has lived there, this novel really did trouble my conscience. To call it as a 'gimmick' and think of it as something to solely appease the west in really myopic."A gimmick is a gimmick, IMO, whatever name you choose to call it. And as I said, if you take the social criticism out of it, the novel is nothing but a gimmick.
Rohan wrote: "Although I really liked the book. I respect your review."Thanks.
Nandakishore Varma Ravikumar wrote: "Unfortunately, the image of India that the Westerner wants to see is being sold... again and again.(less)
Hmm, as a Westerner reading this book, I have to disagree with this statement. What a Westerner (who would bother to read this book) WANTS to see is some authenticity, be it good or bad, complimentary or damning. I'm sure there are some out there who revel in their schadenfreude; who enjoy anything that reconfirms their prejudices. The folks I know that fall into that category are seldom avid readers, especially of novels about other cultures.
I liked your review, although I'm only 1/2 way through the book and so far am finding it pretty good. As someone who only knows about life in India from friends, films, literature; even I thought he doesn't actually sound native Indian. Balram is surprised and outraged at too many things which seem to be the status quo in the world he has described, (like the bribes to get a job reference, the voting scams, the abysmal lack of treatment his father got in the 'hospital'....). It would be like an American being shock, just shocked! I tell you that guns are so prolific in the States; or that we have had NO healthcare safety-net for so many citizens, or the crime statistics, (I've met a lot of Europeans or Asians who are absolutely freaked about these things. Now of course, when you think about it; yes, it's kinda weird, kinda shocking, but if you've grown up around it, you take it as a matter of course, You may hate it, even work to change it, It does not shock or outrage you.
So far this is not nearly as hard hitting to me as Rohinton Mistry's "A Fine Balance". THAT was shocking, and no character in the book seemed shocked at all.
I was curious to know if you've read "A Fine Balance" and or "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts, (although not written by a native Indian) and, if so, what you thought of those in comparison.
Thanks,
Greatly enjoyed reading the review and everyone's reactions.
Caryn wrote: "Nandakishore Varma Ravikumar wrote: "Unfortunately, the image of India that the Westerner wants to see is being sold... again and again.(less)
Hmm, as a Westerner reading this book, I have to d..."
Maybe I should apologise. I have seen India projected negatively so many times in English books and movies, which was the basis of my statement.
Martin wrote: "Greatly enjoyed reading the review and everyone's reactions."Thanks!
I think you were not in simpatico with the author or you have highly biased patriotism, which blinds everyone to see logic and the mere truth. Author was mainstream journalist and has seen many things which we may not have seen or experienced. His analogy with the things are utter truth but taking the fact that it is work of fiction we have no dispute in depiction. The tale features are to be awarded and taken granted but not the content in the case of fiction, which I did not notice in any reader of our fraternity(referring readers esp. Indian). If you're not able to concede and digest the truth behind the backdrop of the story, that's your own discretion. But that's the truth. 'Darkness' and backwardness is not in the book or not in the geographical regions and their history, which we should be proud of(which Patriots think of), but it is in our minds and the way we conceive things around us. This very fictional work has been awarded best in that year(man Booker prize) not because he criticized an Indian State, but because the way he narrated and presented the depiction of the story of man in this mean world(India).
For example :the author in a sentence quoted this. "You can't expect a man in a dung heap to smell sweet" Should people think and live like that, whole life? Nope, ain't it? What's the solution then?
To 'admit' that he is in 'dung heap' or covered in it, and getting rid of it by any means. But not to build patriotism towards dung heap and liking it,and criticizing all who points and advices to clean off.
FYI:I'm patriot too, but with a different perspective that promotes cleansing.
it is not the india bashing but the language bashing that is the real problem.
Riku, I wrote in my review:"That said, Arvind Adiga bashes India where it has to be bashed. No honest reader will be able to dispute that the picture of India he paints is a false one." All the people criticising me for writing this review keeps on making the allegation that I am somehow upset at his India-bashing: if I was, I wouldn't have written the above passage.I agree with you: the voice is so phony. I also found the novel gimmicky.
Nandakishore wrote: "Riku, I wrote in my review:"That said, Arvind Adiga bashes India where it has to be bashed. No honest reader will be able to dispute that the picture of India he paints is a false one." All the peo..."it contributes nothing as a political/social novel, in my opinion. And it has no literary merit. i find no way to excuse it. Which is why I agree with your assessment. Bashing is fine if it is done with constructive purpose, when it wont be bashing anymore - like Mistry (/review/show...)
Absolutely no literary merit at all: I agree with you.
i enjoyed reading your review -- like you, i really did not understand why he needed to use the letter to frame the story -- however, i loved the intimacy of the story -- eg the owners pass gas in the back of the car, not caring that the driver can smell and hear it -- just another example of class superiority --
