A House for Mr. Biswas
by V.S. Naipaul
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Book Summary Information
Author: V.S. NaipaulEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-03-13
ISBN: 0375707166
Number of pages: 576
Publisher: Vintage
Book Reviews of A House for Mr. Biswas
Book Review: A House for Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul
Summary: 5 Stars
Naipaul's most well-known novel is about Mohun Biswas, a permanently unsatisfied man with marginal writing talent who lives with his wife and children in Trinidad. He has a thankless existence; he constantly fights with his colorful set of in-laws, never really connects with his kids, doesn't seem to love his wife, and bounces from job to job. His main goal in life is to own a home of his own, away from everyone else in the world where he could be free and as miserable as he wants. The ending, bittersweet and just right, subtly explores modern man's futile pursuit of happiness and the encumbrances he faces in attaining it throughout life.
Naipaul expertly balances Biswas' deeper, darker pursuits in life with a comedic, larger-than-life backdrop. The book is never laugh-out-loud funny, but derives its dry humor through the reader's pity of the character. Nuanced scenes follow one after another, each adding depth to the character's motivations and the novel's underlying themes. It may appear slow going at first, but makes more sense once you get attuned to the pace of the book. My only issue with the book is the style in which it is written. The tone throughout is very reserved, with little concern for rhythm or music, and it is difficult to get completely in-sync with it. Because of this I always felt at a distance from the story, just like poor Mr Biswas with everyone else in his life, so who knows if it was intentional. For me personally it is a book to respect more than to care more deeply about, but on its own it is a very distinguished piece of world lit.
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