This is a good choice for the group but since the blogger was not at the meeting, this is a short summary which hopefully captures the night's discussion.
We felt that this story is a multi-layered and well constructed one. It gives the reader a sense of the complexity of the Indian culture. Apart from being an interesting social commentary on India's society and the difficulties of the caste system, this novel gives a fast paced vivid description of its characters using animal imagery.
What is the dichotomy of "Darkness" and "Light"? Is it just the difference between rich and poor? Is committing a crime the only way out of the "chicken coop"? Is corruption a way of life in India? Do you sympathise with Balram's fate and is the "White Tiger" an appropriate nickname for him?
The author also shows how globalization by major international companies has affected India. Despite the fact that India is a democracy, corruption appears entrenched in all levels of the society and there is real difficulty for the impoverished to break out of their condition.
Our next book is The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman
We have given The White Tiger 8 to 9 out of 10
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