Reviews with content warning for Sexism - The White Tiger

A solid read with many interesting passages. The storytelling format is pretty creative but it didn't always work for me as it jumped from one thing to another too abruptly. Balram's perspective is pretty great to read and there's as much to agree with as to be sceptical about. The societal criticism is the best part of it all but despite being such a political book, sometimes Balram's biggest enemy seemed to be women. There is a lot of misogyny and in a battle between wanting to read another perspective and my own feminism, the latter definitely wins. The White Tiger doesn't have a particularly loveable narrator but nevertheless, I feel glad I finally read this.

Content Warnings

ellen_nicholson's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

An informative and at times satirical commentary on India through an epistolary style message from Balram (an entrepreneur), to the Premier of China. The White Tiger critiques the socio-political climate of India, exploring themes of corruption, duty and the caste/class system through the story of Balram, a poor man who takes a position as a driver/servant for a landlords son. While I feel that we never really connect with Balram as a character, his story works to blur the lines between what is moral or immoral, which left me questioning my initial judgements as he explained his journey. I read this book for school and found the use of symbols really added depth to the book, ie the lizard, chandeliers and the black fort. Even though it was for English, I think it is worth a read.

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kryskross's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense medium-paced

2.0

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claddel's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is dark, well written and pretty intense. I don’t know how real the picture of India is, that it draws but it seems realistic. Worth a read, the author is a talented storyteller.

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sprucy2427's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thought provoking view of Indian society alongside one man's journey away from his caste. Interesting juxtapositions throughout.

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heather_freshparchment's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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cwhalen1988's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really did not know what to expect with this book, but I was intrigued by the perspective of the bad guy. I ended up loving this book and the main character. The 2nd person narrative really worked and I could not put this book down. Can’t wait to see the movie!

Content Warnings

mani's review against another edition

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challenging dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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