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Literary Fiction· India

The White Tiger

by Aravind Adiga
Aggregate Editorial Score100/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Published 2008304 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The White Tiger (2008) by Aravind Adiga continues to receive. Balram Halwai, a driver from the poorest part of India, murders his master and escapes to Bangalore, where he becomes a successful entrepreneur. Adiga's Booker Prize-winning novel is a darkly comic, scathing critique of India's social and economic inequality told in the form of letters to the Chinese Premier. Themes of class, corruption, India run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 2008 and Booker Prize 2008.

Book Details

AuthorAravind Adiga
Published2008
Country of Origin🇮🇳 India
LanguageEnglish
Pages304
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781416562603
Editorial Score100/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇮🇳 India

This book is part of India's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from India →

Editorial Assessment

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2008 in India, it engages with class, corruption, India, entrepreneurship in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 2008; Booker Prize 2008. With an editorial score of 100/100 drawn from 2 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to The White Tiger for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of class, corruption, India, entrepreneurship is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. The White Tiger reflects Aravind Adiga's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with India's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
200882
Booker Prize
winner · global
200882
✍️
About the Author
Aravind Adiga
India
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Aravind Adiga is a celebrated author from India known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The White Tiger about?

Balram Halwai, a driver from the poorest part of India, murders his master and escapes to Bangalore, where he becomes a successful entrepreneur. Adiga's Booker Prize-winning novel is a darkly comic, scathing critique of India's social and economic inequality told in the form of letters to the Chinese Premier.

Who wrote The White Tiger?

The White Tiger was written by Aravind Adiga, from India. First published in 2008.

What awards has The White Tiger won?

The White Tiger has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 2008; Booker Prize 2008.

Is The White Tiger worth reading?

The White Tiger is one of the most critically acclaimed books ever written, with an aggregate editorial score of 100/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in class, corruption, India.

Where can I buy The White Tiger?

You can buy The White Tiger on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The White Tiger?

The White Tiger is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The White Tiger from?

The White Tiger originates from India's literary tradition. Explore more books from India on our country page.

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