I read the book The White Tiger two years back and I was disappointed with it. I have expected a lot more from a Booker Prize-winning novel. The odd attempt to offer a sharp satire on India and Indainness with a new perspective didn't work very well for me. The only thing that striked me was the character of Balram, with his unexpected psyche and understanding. Ramin Bahrani captured that wonderfully (even loyally like you had mentioned above. more so because he wanted to justify the reason why the book was dedicated to him or honestly tried to explore the curious adventure of book to film adaptation), but he definitely failed to give life to the caricature supporting characters that both the book and Adiga didn't think important enough to flesh out.
I read The God Of Small Things when I was 15 and I didn't understand a large section of it. I think sometimes the books are written that way. The rich language in its literary quality doesn't asked to be understood while reading the books. Same goes with The Fountainhead.
P.S. I think I will need more re-reads to understand Roy's fiction.
Wow, I remember reading the book when I was in school. I didn't like it too much, but convinced myself that it was a great read mostly because of the hype surrounding it. I have been toying with the idea of re-reading it, before watching the Netflix adaptation. Really enjoyed your arguments in the post. Very thoughtful.
I read the book The White Tiger two years back and I was disappointed with it. I have expected a lot more from a Booker Prize-winning novel. The odd attempt to offer a sharp satire on India and Indainness with a new perspective didn't work very well for me. The only thing that striked me was the character of Balram, with his unexpected psyche and understanding. Ramin Bahrani captured that wonderfully (even loyally like you had mentioned above. more so because he wanted to justify the reason why the book was dedicated to him or honestly tried to explore the curious adventure of book to film adaptation), but he definitely failed to give life to the caricature supporting characters that both the book and Adiga didn't think important enough to flesh out.
I read The God Of Small Things when I was 15 and I didn't understand a large section of it. I think sometimes the books are written that way. The rich language in its literary quality doesn't asked to be understood while reading the books. Same goes with The Fountainhead.
P.S. I think I will need more re-reads to understand Roy's fiction.
Wow, I remember reading the book when I was in school. I didn't like it too much, but convinced myself that it was a great read mostly because of the hype surrounding it. I have been toying with the idea of re-reading it, before watching the Netflix adaptation. Really enjoyed your arguments in the post. Very thoughtful.
Ok so I’m DEFINITELY gonna re read the book. This is such an illuminating perspective