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Slumdog Millionaire: Originally published as Q & A Audiobook
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(3.00) - 11,621 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Former tiffin boy Ram Mohammad Thomas has correctly answered twelve questions on a television quiz show to win a cool one billion rupees. But he is brutally slung in prison on suspicion of cheating—for how else could a poor, uneducated orphan know so much: the name of the smallest planet, global capitals, and diplomatic policy? In the order of the questions on the show, Ram tells us which amazing adventures in his street-kid life gave him the answers.
From orphanages to brothels, gangsters to beggar-masters, and into the homes of Bollywood’s rich and famous, Ram’s story is brimming with the chaotic comedy, heart-stopping tragedy, and tear-inducing joyousness of modern India.
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"Fantastic book, basis for the movie "Slum dog Millionaire". Highly recommended, even if you have seen the movie. The book is very different; similar situations, but completely different plot. Must read. Basic plot: A poor kid is arrested, on suspicion of cheating, after unprecedentedly answering all questions on a game show correctly; making an uneducated slumdog the recipient of the largest prize ever won. A eclectic story unfolds about how every question he was asked was answered in a life he has lived. A quick read because you won't want to put it down once you start.""
— Muneel (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Swarup is an accomplished storyteller, and Q & A has all the immediacy and impact of an oral account.”
— Daily Mail (London) -
“A rollicking read as well as being a polished, varnished, finished work of impressive craftsmanship.”
— Hindustan Times (New Dehli) -
“An inspired idea…A broad and sympathetic humanity underpins the whole book.”
— Sunday Telegraph (London) -
“A rare, seemingly effortless brew of humor, drama, romance, and social realism…[Swarup] has achieved a triumph with this thrilling, endearing work which gets into the heart and soul of modern India.”
— New Zealand Herald (Auckland) -
“A very clever story told very cleverly and at a relentless pace.”
— Sydney Morning Herald -
“Vikas Swarup weaves a delightful yarn…Q & A is sweet, sorrowful, and funny…Enchanting.”
— Sunday Tribune (Chandigarh, India) -
“Ram’s funny and poignant odyssey explores the causes of good and evil and illustrates how, with a little luck, the best man sometimes wins.”
— Booklist
Slumdog Millionaire Listener Reviews
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" This is the Book Slumdog Millionaire was based on. "
— Roger, 1/31/2014 -
" So this was a random pick up at the library - and come to find out, it's the book that the movie Slumdog Millionaire was based on... I haven't seen the movie, so I can't compare, but the the book was well written, and interesting. Hard life about poverty in India - which is not my usual read... Parts were just so stark, bordering on disturbing - as well as being depressing, but the main character has an amazing view of his situation in life. I finished it, and have found myself thinking a lot about it... Interesting... "
— Jo, 1/22/2014 -
" I liked the movie better... the book had a lot more dark events, for example child abuse was profiled quite prominently in the first several stories; this made me want to stop reading the book, whereas the movie managed to touch on darker themes but keep it light enough that you want to keep watching. The writing was pretty good but I felt like the whole thing didn't ever quite get off the ground. "
— Catherine, 1/20/2014 -
" My f2f book club is doing a season of books/movies. I had seen the movie (Slumdog Millionaire) when it first came out and enjoyed it despite the often graphic violence & squalor. I enjoyed the book so much more! It had far more depth and covered so much more of Indian culture and history that the movie condensed, glossed over or westernized. After finishing the book I rewatched the movie and found it so much less enjoyable and far too 'sanitized' and simplified. Hadn't been looking forward to reading this one but ended up very happy that I did. Excellent. "
— Phair, 1/15/2014 -
" I watched the movie first and the book is so different...I prefer the story in the movie more. "
— Vicky, 1/14/2014 -
" This is better known as Slumdog Millionaire - the movie is better than the book - good story but confusing. "
— Nora, 1/8/2014 -
" I hated the beginning. It was full of child molestation and abuse. The ending was very riveting. "
— Tom, 12/24/2013 -
" Saw the movie first and as usual liked the book better, "
— Mary-Beth, 12/3/2013 -
" All I can say is: Thank God it's over. "
— Leslie, 11/18/2013 -
" Great story, though the telling is somewhat awkward and overwrought. How could all of those things happen to one poor child? Far superior to the the movie version (Slumdog Millionaire). "
— Holly, 10/30/2013 -
" I never saw the movie--really liked the book, though. Great story. "
— Becki, 10/29/2013 -
" A quick and entertaining read, but I think I like the movie better! "
— Lauren, 10/1/2013 -
" Read way before the movie (Slumdog Millionaire) based on this book came out. Loved it. "
— Ann, 8/30/2013 -
" Slumdog millionaire was based on this book. I loved the concept, how each question of the quiz show corresponds to a part of the main character's life. Interesting book and I enjoyed it. "
— Mansi, 6/12/2013 -
" I liked the movie, and the book was just as good! Storyline was different enough from the movie so that I did not know how it would end. "
— Artemis18, 5/1/2013 -
" Story of an orphan street boy in India who wins the highest prize on a game show. The book is much better than the movie. "
— Kris, 2/12/2013 -
" I read this book in college when there was no movie deal happening for it. It was one of my best loved books and it still is. frankly better than the movie! "
— Suzena, 1/30/2013 -
" This story is riveting and entertaining yets rings of truth. You can't help but root for the hero and pray for the poorest of people living in India. "
— Lori Mihalick, 12/1/2012 -
" much better than the movie, by far. and a great depiction of the life others lead and how we are taken in surprising directions. it also reminds me to be grateful for what i do have because others have it worse. "
— tana, 7/17/2012 -
" I think they changed every single question for the movie . . . which worked well for me to like both the movie and the book. "
— Lacey, 4/25/2012 -
" I really enjoyed this story but not as much as I thought I was going to. It definitely felt like a first novel and although I loved the construct, there were some moments of story telling that I would have liked to have been done differently or linked more smoothly somehow. "
— Leonie, 11/25/2011 -
" This book is more commonly known as "Slumdog Millionaire" and is the basis for the Oscar award winning movie by the same name. I enjoyed the book much more than the movie. Although I did find the book just a little unbelievable, the storyline and the descriptions of life in India kept me reading. "
— Desiree, 11/14/2011 -
" excellent.......was transported to india...the characters and story is realistic and this really could happen to someone!!! A page turner...and def recommended:) "
— Jeet, 10/2/2011 -
" A fast read. I read the book to avoid the experience of abuse (and potential nightmares) through the film. It was compelling and consequently manipulative in its descriptions of the rampant abuse and destitution. I was uncomfortable with the experience of abuse as entertaining. "
— Bianca.brousseau, 7/22/2011 -
" Again, maybe it's me. Maybe because I already knew the plot. I started off enjoying this book but I stopped caring by page 50. "
— Susana, 7/13/2011 -
" Far fetched, but I enjoyed it (with a good deal of cringing, of course). It bears little resemblance to the Slumdog Millionaire movie. "
— Jenny, 5/22/2011 -
" It's just a fantastic book. The narrative is just so vivid....the movie though good, was not as impactful as the book. "
— Lulu, 5/22/2011 -
" Nice book. Ram Mohammad Thomas, memenangkan 1 miliar rupee justru karena nasib yang dia alami dalam menghidupi kerasnya hidup. Realita yang digambarkan oleh Swarup tentang soasialita India begitu hidup. "
— Tezar, 5/18/2011 -
" Book that Slumdog Millionaire was based on.<br/><br/>The movie was extraordinary.<br/><br/>The book was EXTRAORDINARY.<br/><br/>But they are only loosely the same story.<br/><br/>This is one of the best books I've ever read. "
— Nicki, 5/13/2011 -
" Book version of Slumdog Millionaire. Easy to read, great story! "
— Mycheng80, 5/3/2011 -
" i was pretty good. i wish there was an appendix that had some of the terminology though. "
— Andy, 5/1/2011 -
" So much better than the movie which totally corrupted and changed the story from having a strong female protagonist... "
— Effie, 4/29/2011 -
" More hard hitting than the movie, an excellent look at poverty and corruption in India, and lots of fun. "
— Kathryn, 4/26/2011 -
" love it so far!! <br/>watch the movie before, this book is totally different from the movie. <br/>a must-read!! "
— rina, 4/21/2011 -
" Wow, I loved this book! It's horrifying, heartfelt, funny, and ultimately moving. If you loved the Oscar-winning movie, don't worry...the book is quite different from the movie. "
— Mike, 4/19/2011 -
" I liked the movie, and the book was just as good! Storyline was different enough from the movie so that I did not know how it would end. "
— Artemis18, 4/16/2011 -
" This is the best book i ever read! very simple with strong drama, changing moods! we will wonder how a man from slum can win kon banega karodpathi. Well done vikram! "
— Deccancoffee, 4/14/2011 -
" I loved this book!! I enjoyed the format, learning about a different culture, and the way the stories intertwine. "
— Sierra, 3/29/2011 -
" Loved it. Utterly loved it. Five stars "
— Adnams, 3/28/2011
About Vikas Swarup
Vikas Swarup’s first novel was made into the Oscar Award–winning film Slumdog Millionaire and has been translated into over forty languages. His second novel and first mystery, Six Suspects, was translated into thirty languages and is being adapted into film. Swarup has written for Time, Newsweek, the Guardian, the Telegraph, and the Financial Times. An Indian diplomat, he has been posted to Turkey, the United States, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Japan. He lives in India.
About Christopher Simpson
Christopher Simpson had his first major acting role in the BBC miniseries White Teeth, based on the novel by Zadie Smith. His other appearances include roles in the films Brick Lane, Shameless, All about George, and State of Play.