Play Book Tag discussion

Q & A by Vikas Swarup - 5* - My Review

I am not much of a film fan, so I had never seen the Academy-Award Winning movie Slumdog Millionaire based on the book Q&A by Vikas Swarup. So, when I picked it up, my only knowledge was that the film won awards, it is set in India, and it is about a contestant on a quiz show. I am very glad I went into it with a clean slate.

What a great story! It starts with Ram Mohammed Thomas (the background of his name is priceless) at the police station. He has not been charged with a crime but is suspected of cheating on the quiz show Who Will Win a Billion (rupees). He is an orphan who has had a rough life. No one believes a young man of his impoverished background with no formal schooling could have known the answers to these questions, and the producers do not have the funds to pay him.

It is well structured. It goes through each question of the quiz show and Ram tells his lawyer how he knew (or figured out) the answer based on his life experiences. I was riveted. In addition to entertainment, it addresses many social issues. Ram is a sympathetic character, and it is easy to root for the underdog against corrupt officials. It contains both serious topics and humor. This book is an example of storytelling at its finest. I loved it.

This book will make my short list of top 10 favorites for the year.

PBT BWF Extra S and tagged "5-stars" x21:
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...

I also loved this book when I read it. So glad to see another fan.

I need to read this. I did see the movie and loved it (and it has a huge typical Bollywood ending, LOL). It has been long enough ago I think that I can revel in the book.

I have heard there are a few differences between the film and the book. One is the main character's name, which I thought was fabulous idea in the book as it combines three of the prominent religions of India (Hindu-Muslim-Christian). Will be interested in your thoughts whenever you get a chance to read this one.

That’s funny, we were just talking about this book in my local book club. (We were discussing another book set in India. ) Most of us saw and loved the movie (and the actor whose career was launched by the film). I’ll pass along your recommendation for the book.