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A review by haaris
A House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul
5.0
'That conundrum - the housing question -'
So writes Mohun Biswas at one point for the Trinidad Sentinel.
This is a story of resilience written in the manner of dark comedy. The story is set in Trinidad as Mr Biswas undergoes a heart wrenching series of tragedies and misfortunes in the quest for his own dwelling space and dignity. His tale begins from his birth when he is born the 'wrong way,' with an extra finger and immediately declared to be unlucky and cursed. As he gets into one hole after another, Mohun Biswas persists and his life proceeds comically in an often pitiable fashion. We know the ending from the very start; it is the journey that is wonderfully woven by Naipaul.
The book is considered Naipaul's best work and it is not hard to see why. The book is exquisitely written and describes post colonial Indian society in the West Indies with the power of observation reserved for great writers at the peak of their powers. It is not a fast read and like all classics demands its time for rumination and reflection.
Despite having the good fortune to read many incredible books, I am astounded every time I read another great work of fiction. A Classic in every way.
So writes Mohun Biswas at one point for the Trinidad Sentinel.
This is a story of resilience written in the manner of dark comedy. The story is set in Trinidad as Mr Biswas undergoes a heart wrenching series of tragedies and misfortunes in the quest for his own dwelling space and dignity. His tale begins from his birth when he is born the 'wrong way,' with an extra finger and immediately declared to be unlucky and cursed. As he gets into one hole after another, Mohun Biswas persists and his life proceeds comically in an often pitiable fashion. We know the ending from the very start; it is the journey that is wonderfully woven by Naipaul.
The book is considered Naipaul's best work and it is not hard to see why. The book is exquisitely written and describes post colonial Indian society in the West Indies with the power of observation reserved for great writers at the peak of their powers. It is not a fast read and like all classics demands its time for rumination and reflection.
Despite having the good fortune to read many incredible books, I am astounded every time I read another great work of fiction. A Classic in every way.