53 pages • 1 hour read
A House for Mr. Biswas
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Book Brief
623
Novel • Fiction
Trinidad • Mid-20th century
1961
Adult
18+ years
900L
Super Short Summary
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
Reviews & Readership
23,483 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read A House for Mr. Biswas?
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
Shama
Shama
The wife of Mr. Biswas, caught between loyalty to her husband and her extended family, the Tulsis, she showcases resilience and strength within the constraints of her marriage and societal expectations.
Anand
Anand
The eldest son of Mr. Biswas and Shama, he grapples with the pressure of fulfilling his father's ambitions while striving to carve out his own identity and success.
Mrs. Tulsi
Mrs. Tulsi
The authoritative matriarch of the Tulsi family, known for her shrewd manipulation and influence within familial and social structures, working towards the family's prosperity.
Seth
Seth
Married to Mrs. Tulsi's sister, he is a strategic figure known for morally ambiguous business dealings and a key player in the family's dynamics, yet ultimately less powerful than Mrs. Tulsi.
623
Novel • Fiction
Trinidad • Mid-20th century
1961
Adult
18+ years
900L
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