53 pages 1 hour read

V. S. Naipaul

A House for Mr. Biswas

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

900L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Auto/Biographical Fiction

Indian Literature

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Poverty

Finance / Money / Wealth

Period

Colonialism / Postcolonialism

Asian Literature

Themes

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance