Don't Read This Book!

While living in India in the first half of 2009, I read Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger. His first novel, The White Tiger won for Adiga the 2008 Booker Prize as the best novel written in English in the British Commonwealth. Leaving me feeling depressed for days after finishing, The White Tiger had nonetheless displayed excellent characterization, good plot development, and a trenchant view of the worst aspects of contemporary Indian society.

Between the Assassinations entered into print in late 2008 but I didn't read it until December '09. A collection of short stories written before The White Tiger, Between The Assassinations reads like Adiga's collegiate efforts. Poorly characterized with confusing plots, Between The Assassinations relentlessly repeats Adiga's most negative observations and leaves the reader with a sense of boredom if not ennui. Thankfully, I read it courtesy of the Virginia Beach Public library and not on my own dime. With due respect, no one else should waste the time or money.