Mohun Biswas, perpetually referred to in the novel as Mr. Biswas, is the son of an illiterate laborer. Mr. Biswas is fated to follow in his father's footsteps, working on a sugar estate, until his father dies. The boy, too young to work, is sent to school instead. Learning to read changes his life. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Biswas continues to read novels, and they inform his worldview. Raised in and married into traditional Hindu families, Mr. Biswas longs for the freedom and self-determination of Western culture. Yet, he realizes that the economic conditions in Trinidad at the time make it very difficult to create a business empire.
Under the influence of his Aunt Tara, Mr. Biswas begins training as a Hindu pundit. When that does not work, he is employed as a conductor.....
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