“A legal is just someone who is unwanted in the same way everyone else is.”
Danny, a young adult in his twenties from Sri Lanka, has been living in Australia illegally for four years as a cleaner. Soon into the novel, one of the residents that he cleaned for is killed. Danny might have an idea of what could have happened, but he internally struggles with the responsibility of this knowledge since the decision to help with the murder case could get him deported. The novel takes place throughout this one day in Danny’s life.
“But whoever did it, and for whatever reason, one thing was almost certain. The killer was a citizen.”
The story pays homage to the thoughts and difficult decisions that immigrants, specifically illegals, make throughout the day. It highlights questions of accountability and examines the echelons of humanity. Danny’s flashbacks and encounters throughout the day also illuminate his own prejudice towards legal immigrants and citizens.
“Rich Asians and poor Asians don’t seem to talk to each other, and that’s how Australians make most of their money.”
The writing was disjointed and made it hard for me to read. I found myself rereading sentences often to make sure I read them correctly. Sometimes that made it hard to process different things that were occurring, which took away from the enjoyment. It is written in an unusual way and Danny was a peculiar character who had eccentric qualities.
Read Seattle Times review for Amnesty.
Click here to read the New York Times advanced praise for Amnesty.
Aravind Adiga is the author of The White Tiger, winner of the Man Booker Prize in 2008.
Visit author Aravind Adiga’s website for more information.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. Opinions are my own.
