Amnesty

Aravind Adiga is a great writer. The White Tiger was fabulous and his subsequent novels, with the exception of the one on cricket, were excellent.This is an important book. It tackles a difficult theme - the undocumented migrant - with passion, depth and empathy. it's well-written and thought-provoking.But, and it is a small 'but', the novel is hard-going, and I am not entirely sure why. I found my attention kept wandering and, in the end, I was left a little unsatisfied. Too bad. I hope the next one recaptures the success of his first.

Sri Lankan Danny, denied refugee status in Australia, stays on in Sydney, dodging the authorities, until one day he faces a dilemma. Should he come forward with his knowledge of a murderer’s identity... or not? The dilemma itself is drawn out and repetitious, but the predicament of a likeable, honest, hardworking individual, wanting the things in life we all do, whose misfortune is to be ‘illegal’ and ‘brown’ in a ‘white’ world, kept me engaged. Best read with a street map of Sydney to hand, as over the course of a day its various districts are evocatively described.

I love this author so I knew I would love this book. Definitely recommend this book and his four other titles.

The style of writing does not keep the reader engaged. I endured about 30% of the book thinking I'd find it interesting later but it was no use. It is now on my shelf.

Being a beginner reader the book was pretty complex at times. But being an immigrant myself I found some bits to be relatable and nostalgic. The story was amazing and I wanted to find out what’s next page after page. Quick read. Great addition to the bookshelf.