53 pages • 1 hour read
V. S. NaipaulA House for Mr. Biswas
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
900L