Challenging Age-Old Notions: “The White Tiger”

A story of exploitation, aspirations, and freedom

‘They remain slaves because they can’t see what is beautiful in this world’- Iqbal. 

In my reading journey, I’ve attempted many times to read Man Booker Prize-winning books. Frankly, I have not been able to finish them despite their great literature, strong stories, relatable settings, and characters. There is one exception, however: “The White Tiger Book” by Aravind Adiga.

This book kept me hooked with its strong narrative, gripping events, and characters that felt straight out of my surroundings. I felt connected, perhaps because it held up a mirror, making me introspect as the story progressed.

Incredibly, Aravind Adiga, a city-dwelling, U.S.-educated 33-year-old journalist, has delved into the mind of the protagonist, Balram who rises from the place of darkness—a code name for the rural, caste and poverty-stricken land of Bihar or UP.

The bold and gritty story follows Balram’s journey from the inescapable ‘Rooster Coop’ that he and his family are perpetually stuck in. Balram desires a better life and is determined and prepared to do something about it. In his relentless pursuit of freedom and unexplored horizons, metaphorically, he leaves no stones unturned. He is prepared to go rogue, displaying cunning and even resorting to murder at times, reflecting the desperation fueling his quest. The writer ensures that readers refrain from passing judgment on his actions by creating a narrative that allows them to empathize with the profound despondency and hopelessness stemming from the circumstances he faces.

 The gripping tale explores ideas of servitude and freedom, poverty and privilege, caste and class as it unfolds, leaving its mostly urban, upwardly mobile, and English-educated readers uncomfortable by challenging their age-old notions about people living in the surrounding yet invisible to their inner eye. The chasm of inequality that is there, but is barely or rarely noticed by the privileged, boldly confronts you, making you squirm, prompting a reconsideration of your social positioning, and demanding acknowledgment of the divide.

The White Tiger book is dark, yet it has its own share of humor, never letting go of its grip on the reader. It’s a tale of great determination and sacrifice that the protagonist must go through to rise from the darkness.

For me personally, the impact has been distinct as it altered the way I see these invisible people around me. Before I read the book in 2010, I hardly considered how privileged I was in terms of social positioning. The book caught me off guard, forcing me to confront my own ignorance about the people who surround me. It unveiled the unequal society around me, highlighting how both myself and the ‘others’ across the chasm have taken it for granted, with both sides hardly questioning the status quo. As urban dwellers, we, the rich and the privileged, have simply cast aside the caste system only to embrace class divide . 

The book fundamentally changed my perspective on those who consistently help me get on with my life on a daily basis. I had taken their assistance for granted, never questioning my dominant position. Prior to the enlightenment gained from the book, the dynamic was one of master and servant. However, now they are not merely servants; I sincerely believe that our relationship is mutual, and we need each other, equally contributing to everyone’s existence in the process.

I highly recommend this honest book with sharp wit and dark humor to everyone who is ready for introspection.