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book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
Audio book performed by Christopher Simpson
5***** and a ❤
When this extraordinary debut novel opens, Ram Mohammad Thomas has been arrested for cheating on the hit television quiz show, Who Will Win a Billion?. The producers and police simply cannot believe that this uneducated waiter could correctly answer the twelve questions to win the top prize. Ram is rescued from police interrogation (torture) by an attorney and the novel unfolds as he recounts the life experiences that resulted in his knowledge of the correct answers. (If this plot sounds familiar, the novel was adapted into the movie Slumdog Millionaire; the movie plot differs significantly from the book.)
What an extraordinary novel! Swarup takes us on a tour of every human emotion – humor, joy, despair, heartbreak, anger, jealousy, love, compassion, pity, scorn, derision and hope. Thomas is a wonderful narrator, though I did find his vocabulary somewhat elevated for a street orphan who had virtually no formal schooling. He is intelligent, loving, resourceful and kind. It is his unfailing belief in his dreams and willingness to do whatever necessary to achieve those dreams that endears him to the reader. On the other hand, he is no angel. He is honest in relaying those instances when he succumbs to temptations and baser instinct.
The novel is full of scenes that are nothing short of gut-wrenching, exploring the realities of life for the poorest of the poor, and exposing the worst of human behavior. But there are also scenes of tenderness and kindness, and even some occasions for humor to relieve the tension. From beginning to end, I was completely captivated by the story, and surprised myself at how “on-the-edge-of-my-seat” I felt as the questions got harder (since the novel starts by telling us that he won the top prize).
Christopher Simpson does a superb job on the audio book, maintaining a good pace and giving an emotional performance. He is a talented voice artist, easily switching accents – including Americans, Japanese, Australians, and British in addition to Indians. Despite a huge cast of characters I had no trouble following the story line and keeping them straight.
5***** and a ❤
When this extraordinary debut novel opens, Ram Mohammad Thomas has been arrested for cheating on the hit television quiz show, Who Will Win a Billion?. The producers and police simply cannot believe that this uneducated waiter could correctly answer the twelve questions to win the top prize. Ram is rescued from police interrogation (torture) by an attorney and the novel unfolds as he recounts the life experiences that resulted in his knowledge of the correct answers. (If this plot sounds familiar, the novel was adapted into the movie Slumdog Millionaire; the movie plot differs significantly from the book.)
What an extraordinary novel! Swarup takes us on a tour of every human emotion – humor, joy, despair, heartbreak, anger, jealousy, love, compassion, pity, scorn, derision and hope. Thomas is a wonderful narrator, though I did find his vocabulary somewhat elevated for a street orphan who had virtually no formal schooling. He is intelligent, loving, resourceful and kind. It is his unfailing belief in his dreams and willingness to do whatever necessary to achieve those dreams that endears him to the reader. On the other hand, he is no angel. He is honest in relaying those instances when he succumbs to temptations and baser instinct.
The novel is full of scenes that are nothing short of gut-wrenching, exploring the realities of life for the poorest of the poor, and exposing the worst of human behavior. But there are also scenes of tenderness and kindness, and even some occasions for humor to relieve the tension. From beginning to end, I was completely captivated by the story, and surprised myself at how “on-the-edge-of-my-seat” I felt as the questions got harder (since the novel starts by telling us that he won the top prize).
Christopher Simpson does a superb job on the audio book, maintaining a good pace and giving an emotional performance. He is a talented voice artist, easily switching accents – including Americans, Japanese, Australians, and British in addition to Indians. Despite a huge cast of characters I had no trouble following the story line and keeping them straight.
gilliangaskill's review against another edition
4.0
This book would have gotten five stars from me if it weren’t for the rampant homophobia throughout the first half. This may have been acceptable at one time, but it certainly did not age well. The author seems to believe that “homosexual” is synonymous with “pedophile”.
kukkale's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emily_stapylton's review against another edition
3.0
Loved how each chapter was relevant to each question of the game show. The ending ties everything up nicely.
I did get a bit confused on the time line as it's not told chronological
I did get a bit confused on the time line as it's not told chronological
annhorchata's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
peetutemonen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favourite books of the modern age, on my 5th or 6th reread (found it long before Slumdog Millionare was even a twinkle in Danny Boyle's eye). Brilliantly compelling and beautifully tied together, I'd recommend this read to anyone.
kangokaren's review against another edition
4.0
So good...Good book for adults, but not kids under 17.
lillyhenry's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Slumdog Millionaire the book- not as good as the movie. The book often felt disjointed and the timeline/ages of Ram were not explicitly explained enough for me to follow along well enough. But the premise of the book itself was great! The sexual content was a little weird, very man focused, but I suppose that's all books are. However, the two main twists in the last twenty pages did not feel deserved or earned it felt thrown out of no where and out of place- very Bollywood though nonetheless
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content