Selection Day
304
Novel • Fiction
Mumbai, India • Contemporary
2016
Adult
18+ years
Selection Day by Aravind Adiga follows the lives of two brothers, Manju and Radha Kumar, who are raised by their father Mohan with the hope of becoming professional cricket players as a means of escaping poverty. Their rigorous training attracts the support of a wealthy sponsor, radically changing their lives. As selection day nears, personal conflicts and differing ambitions lead to significant tension and life-altering outcomes. The novel addresses themes of parental pressure and the pursuit of unchosen dreams, with potential distressing topics related to unnamed violence and familial discord.
Gritty
Challenging
Emotional
Melancholic
Contemplative
3,897 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Aravind Adiga's Selection Day receives praise for its vivid portrayal of Mumbai's cricket-obsessed culture and character depth. Critics admire Adiga's sharp social commentary and engaging narrative. However, some find the pacing uneven and the story's conclusion less impactful. Overall, it is commended for its insightful reflection on ambition and societal pressure.
A reader who enjoyed The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga or A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry would relish Selection Day. Fans of gritty, character-driven narratives that delve into class struggles, ambition, and the complexities of Indian society will find it compelling.
3,897 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Aravind Adiga, author of Selection Day, won the Man Booker Prize for his debut novel, The White Tiger, which brought significant attention to his subsequent works.
Selection Day is heavily inspired by the world of cricket in India, a sport that deeply influences the country's culture and youth aspirations.
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Before becoming a renowned novelist, Aravind Adiga worked as a journalist, which has lent a distinct, detailed narrative style to his fiction writing.
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304
Novel • Fiction
Mumbai, India • Contemporary
2016
Adult
18+ years
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