But Between the Assassinations does not shine a light only on the seemingly invisible. One of the book's strengths is that it cuts across lines, whether they be caste, religion, or socioeconomic. Thus, other stories focus on those who have advantages in life, whether they are the mixed caste Hindu son of a plastic surgeon who sets off a bomb in his Jesuit school, the owner of a clothing factory struggling with the bribes and corruption in local government, or the newspaper editor whose search for the truth takes him into the realm of madness.
Still, underscoring most of the stories is a sense of injustice, be it social or economic, even if that sense is somewhat perverse. It is most appropriate and most often seen in the stories of the underprivileged.
Thus, the man who pedals a cycle-cart making deliveries to the rich in town continually sees the differences in living standards created and reinforced by economic and caste status. His anger grows immensely each day. "The scent of basil from near him seemed like evidence that there were good things in the world. But when he opened his eyes, the earth around him was one of thorns and shit and stray animals." In another story, a laborer observes, "The rich can make mistakes again and again. We make only one mistake, and that's it for us."
Between the Assassinations does not mince words about poverty, the caste system, corruption, and greed. Yet at times it feels like the bell might be rung a few too many times. And while the concept of a guidebook is a somewhat unique approach, it is not strong enough alone to tie the stories together or to help create a more coherent whole. The book may well be an example of the parts being greater than the whole. In addition, given that the book examines life in a seven-year period nearly 20 years ago, the extent to which change has occurred and whether Adiga's characters are or would be better off today is a pertinent, yet unanswered, question.
Although Adiga creates a strong dichotomy between rich and poor, higher caste and lower caste, honesty and dishonesty, many of the characters seem to share a broad characteristic. Most of them seem to have hope, a dream that life will get better. Some ultimately squander that hope, most often because they lack the power to effect change. Other stories leave the reader to speculate on whether life changed. In either event, Between the Assassinations does attempt to take us beneath the surface and provide unique and varying perspectives on life in India.
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