53 pages • 1 hour read
623
Novel • Fiction
Trinidad • Mid-20th century
1961
Adult
18+ years
900L
A House for Mr. Biswas follows the life of Mohun Biswas, a Hindu Indian man in British-occupied Trinidad, who struggles against adversity to achieve his dream of owning a house. From his troubled childhood, marked by the accidental death of his father, to an unhappy marriage into the influential Tulsi family, Mr. Biswas faces numerous challenges. Despite these obstacles, he finds success as a journalist and manages to buy a house, symbolizing his quest for independence and self-worth. The book includes depictions of domestic abuse, assault, and violence towards children and animals.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Challenging
Emotional
23,483 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Reviews of V. S. Naipaul’s A House for Mr. Biswas highlight its intricate portrayal of post-colonial Trinidad and the protagonist’s resilient quest for independence. The novel’s rich character development and keen social insights are praised, although some find the narrative pacing slow at times. Overall, it is celebrated for its literary depth and cultural significance.
A reader who enjoys nuanced, character-driven narratives exploring post-colonial themes and individual struggles within a broader societal context would find A House for Mr. Biswas captivating. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart may appreciate Naipaul's intricate storytelling and cultural insights.
23,483 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
623
Novel • Fiction
Trinidad • Mid-20th century
1961
Adult
18+ years
900L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.