Book of the week: The White Tiger

There's nothing like walking long distances with a backpack to make you appreciate the really simple things; a lovely sit down, a cool drink, a bit of fruit – complete heaven. I'm trying to remember all of that now that I'm back from Spain and in the busy real world. But I did take my ipod, and while on the trail I listened to The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga. I haven't really ever got into audiobooks so this was a new experience for me, and a surprisingly enjoyable one. At first it was strange; Adiga's India is immediate and real, with smells, sounds, tastes all vividly evoked and there was quite a disconnect between that and the dusty Spanish lanes I walked. But I was quickly drawn in to the story of Balram Halwai, an anti-hero from a poor family in a small village. His life is harsh and the social divisions in Indian society – caste, and more importantly as the story shows, money – mean that almost all opportunities are denied to him. But Balram is intelligent and resourceful, and the novel illustrates how such a man can be shaped & moulded by his circumstances. He learns to make his own opportunities, and to exploit the new social and economic climate of India to take his revenge and shape his own destiny. Although not exactly a likeable figure, Balram tells his own story (in a series of letters written to a Chinese statesman shortly to make an official visit to India) with honesty and humour and there is much to enjoy in the tale. The writing is evocative and rich, and although the pace flagged at times (frustrating with an audio book, where you can't skim), I was hooked until the end.

Audiobooks are expensive – which makes sense because they're long, and you have to pay someone to read them aloud. The White Tiger is 8 hours, and costs £17.99 on itunes. But if you sign up with a company like audible the prices become more reasonable (£7.99), although the monthly subscription is £3.99. I think audio books really come into their own if you know you're going to be in a situation where you'll have long periods with not much to do, like travelling, or a long car journey. Then, if you're listening to something good, the hours fly by. I certainly had a very enjoyable time in La Coruna airport waiting in passport queues and then in at the departure gate listening to the end of this book. Incidentally, The White Tiger audiobook is narrated by Bindya Solanki, who does a brilliant job.