With his debut novel The White Tiger (Atlantic Books, 2008), Aravind Adiga has created a central character who is both distressingly amoral and an object of sympathy. Readers’ adjust their initial perception of the self described “thinking man and entrepreneur” as he gradually reveals his background, experience and the complex mixture of unavoidable circumstance and deliberate action that have brought him to his current position.
Balram Halwai – The White Tiger
Balram gradually reveals himself and his background to the reader as he introduces himself to Premier Wen Jiabao of China in a series of one-sided conversations. Hearing reports that the Premier is to visit India seeking information about how to encourage entrepreneurial talent, Balram offers his own life experiences as the ultimate guide.
The son of a rickshaw driver, Balram is removed from school at an early age so that he can work to earn money for his family. Frustrated by his miserable life, Balram looks for opportunities to improve his lot. His chance comes when he secures a position as a driver to the son of the local landlord. In Delhi his naive country beliefs are challenged by the cut-throat network of city servants, the disdain of the upper classes and his own experiences and perceptions.