Literary · Satire and dark comedy · Crime
The White Tiger
Balram, a poor village boy turned driver, narrates his rise to success as a businessman in a letter to the visiting Chinese premier. He explains how he escaped the 'Rooster Coop' of servitude in India, and what it cost.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2008
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 292
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like sharp, darkly funny novels about class and corruption in modern India.
Skip this if you want a sympathetic narrator or a story without cynicism.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The White Tiger
- What is The White Tiger about?
- Balram, a poor village boy turned driver, narrates his rise to success as a businessman in a letter to the visiting Chinese premier. He explains how he escaped the 'Rooster Coop' of servitude in India, and what it cost.
- Who should read The White Tiger?
- Read it if you like sharp, darkly funny novels about class and corruption in modern India. Skip it if you want a sympathetic narrator or a story without cynicism.
- How long and how fast is The White Tiger?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 292 pages, first published in 2008.
- Does The White Tiger have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Prejudice, Manipulation.
- Can I borrow The White Tiger for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The White Tiger; the borrow button above searches it for you.
Your shelf
Saved in this browser only. Open my shelf
Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.
Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works
Share this pick
Literary
