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The Tiger's Share
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26The fiercest wars are fought between siblings.
Tara, a successful Dehli lawyer, is everything her younger brother isn' dedicated, independent, thriving. When their beloved father retires, he summons them to a meeting. But what he has to say threatens to tear the family apart.
Tara's friend Lila has it a great job, a lovely home, a beautiful family. But when Lila's father dies unexpectedly, her brother wastes no time in claiming what he thinks is his.
Together, Tara and Lila are forced to confront the challenge that their ambition poses to patriarchal Delhi society. Set against a backdrop of ecological collapse and political unrest, The Tiger's Share is both a family and a state-of-the-nation novel unlike anything else in contemporary Indian fiction.
Tara, a successful Dehli lawyer, is everything her younger brother isn' dedicated, independent, thriving. When their beloved father retires, he summons them to a meeting. But what he has to say threatens to tear the family apart.
Tara's friend Lila has it a great job, a lovely home, a beautiful family. But when Lila's father dies unexpectedly, her brother wastes no time in claiming what he thinks is his.
Together, Tara and Lila are forced to confront the challenge that their ambition poses to patriarchal Delhi society. Set against a backdrop of ecological collapse and political unrest, The Tiger's Share is both a family and a state-of-the-nation novel unlike anything else in contemporary Indian fiction.
256 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 16, 2025
One of the most thought provoking pieces of fiction I have read in a long time. Keshava manages to distill complex commentary on the state of our world (across gender, the environment, politics and so much more) with beautifully written characters that you want to spend as much time with as possible (each could truly have their own book- I'd definitely read all of them!) All of this makes The Tiger's Share an incredibly compelling page turner. I absolutely did not want to put this book down. It's been a long time since I've felt this way about a book, wow..
August 8, 2025
It’s a rare feat to feel both overwritten and underwhelming, but this book manages exactly that.
The attempt, I imagine, was to blend current environmental issues, politics, legacy, and personal ambition into a sweeping narrative… however, what we get instead is a sluggish, meandering draft that never quite figured out what it wanted to say but did a lot of talking nonetheless.
The pacing was inconsistent, the characters lacked depth, and the plot felt oddly overstuffed but undercooked. There were too many moving parts yet not enough momentum, and definitely no clear direction or editing.
It’s one of those books that is trying hard to be poignant and important, but the execution simply doesn’t hold up. The writing leans heavily on a thesaurus and intellectual posturing, as if trying to sound profound by sheer vocabulary alone.
The less said the better about some of the perplexing descriptions because unfortunately they will squat rent-free in my brain for some time to come [yolk eyes - iykyk].
A disappointment, especially because the premise held such potential. Sadly, not a tiger worth chasing, for sure.
The attempt, I imagine, was to blend current environmental issues, politics, legacy, and personal ambition into a sweeping narrative… however, what we get instead is a sluggish, meandering draft that never quite figured out what it wanted to say but did a lot of talking nonetheless.
The pacing was inconsistent, the characters lacked depth, and the plot felt oddly overstuffed but undercooked. There were too many moving parts yet not enough momentum, and definitely no clear direction or editing.
It’s one of those books that is trying hard to be poignant and important, but the execution simply doesn’t hold up. The writing leans heavily on a thesaurus and intellectual posturing, as if trying to sound profound by sheer vocabulary alone.
The less said the better about some of the perplexing descriptions because unfortunately they will squat rent-free in my brain for some time to come [yolk eyes - iykyk].
A disappointment, especially because the premise held such potential. Sadly, not a tiger worth chasing, for sure.
March 18, 2025
A smart, compelling, and ambitious book which balances readability with a deeper and nuanced view on contemporary India - 5*
At the heart of it, The Tiger's Share is a story about families - the complex relationships between siblings, the expectations children have of their parents (and vice versa), and how that can change across cultures and generations. But it's also a novel which challenges the reader on their perception of societal and environmental norms, and how we as a society have taken for granted the cost which comes with the "progress" of modern society.
The book starts by introducing you to the two main protagonists, Tara and Lila - and how their lives are upturned as delicate family equilibriums are disrupted - the former due to a "family summit" convened by her father, the latter by the death of her father. Guha crafts the story beautifully, building tension throughout; you can really see the author come into his own in the latter half of the book which I found to be utterly absorbing. Although Tara and Lila are the focus of the novel, you could also argue that the city of Delhi is the third main character, and I found this book to be an unflinchingly honest portrayal of the city.
But what I really enjoyed was how immersed I became in the world of these characters. Despite the complicated topics it handles, I wanted to know what happened, and more importantly, it was never obvious what would. A rare example of a book which manages to balance both "engaging / readability" with layers of cultural, environmental, and socio-economic insight. There is plenty to enjoy on first read, but I'm looking forward to re-reading and understanding the layers beneath.
At the heart of it, The Tiger's Share is a story about families - the complex relationships between siblings, the expectations children have of their parents (and vice versa), and how that can change across cultures and generations. But it's also a novel which challenges the reader on their perception of societal and environmental norms, and how we as a society have taken for granted the cost which comes with the "progress" of modern society.
The book starts by introducing you to the two main protagonists, Tara and Lila - and how their lives are upturned as delicate family equilibriums are disrupted - the former due to a "family summit" convened by her father, the latter by the death of her father. Guha crafts the story beautifully, building tension throughout; you can really see the author come into his own in the latter half of the book which I found to be utterly absorbing. Although Tara and Lila are the focus of the novel, you could also argue that the city of Delhi is the third main character, and I found this book to be an unflinchingly honest portrayal of the city.
But what I really enjoyed was how immersed I became in the world of these characters. Despite the complicated topics it handles, I wanted to know what happened, and more importantly, it was never obvious what would. A rare example of a book which manages to balance both "engaging / readability" with layers of cultural, environmental, and socio-economic insight. There is plenty to enjoy on first read, but I'm looking forward to re-reading and understanding the layers beneath.
April 2, 2025
Terrific debut. Sharp, witty, sarcastically observant.
Somehow best books on India have the word tiger in it:
The Elephant, the Tiger & Cellphone by Shashi Tharoor
The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga
Now this !
Somehow best books on India have the word tiger in it:
The Elephant, the Tiger & Cellphone by Shashi Tharoor
The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga
Now this !
May 16, 2025
The first chapter felt like I was looking in a mirror designed to highlight neglected flaws but what evolved to become an easy 5 star read easily became a snore of underdeveloped characters, ridiculous storyline, and click bait narrative that failed in its grasp of young contemporary india. I could tell the author was more of a journalist than a writer.
October 4, 2025
The Tiger’s Share by Keshava Guha is an engaging debut novel by the author. Being a journalist must say he knows his way around words. Beautiful prose. A dense book but easily glides through.
So the story begins with Tara (Lawyer, Thirty something single from Delhi ) independent, strong FMC ( The author has written the book as her POV) with a typical ( new for us non Delhiites to comprehend) Delhi family with a younger brother who studies abroad and a 70 something father Brahm Saxena( retired Accountant) & Mom ( Benign supposedly as in a typical Indian family). The twists and turns starts when the father decided to change his will ( Not give anything to the children) after retirement in the hopes of achieving something better. This creates a domino effect in the family & affects the youngest son the most.
There is a parallel story about married Lila ( Tara’s friend) belonging from the species of ultra- rich Delhiites who looses her father suddenly which creates turmoil in the family with the adopted younger son and her.
Guha has very smartly covered the topics of gender biases, sibling rivalries, environmental issues, politics, family dynamics, generation gap, etc in the book.
What is liked in the book?
1)His writings - wonderfully articulated thoughts
2)Complex practical day to day issues
3)Grey areas when it comes to human natures
4)Sneak pic into Ultra rich Delhi, etc
5)How apt the title of the book is! ( Loved the simile of Lions vs Tigers share when compared with son vs daughters share in inheritance )
What I did not like?
1)The end, could it have been better?
I couldn’t digest it
2)It did get dry in for few pages in the middle to read
3)Did not seem to understand Tara and Vikram Chacha’s conversation
Overall
A solid 3.5/5✨ for me!
So the story begins with Tara (Lawyer, Thirty something single from Delhi ) independent, strong FMC ( The author has written the book as her POV) with a typical ( new for us non Delhiites to comprehend) Delhi family with a younger brother who studies abroad and a 70 something father Brahm Saxena( retired Accountant) & Mom ( Benign supposedly as in a typical Indian family). The twists and turns starts when the father decided to change his will ( Not give anything to the children) after retirement in the hopes of achieving something better. This creates a domino effect in the family & affects the youngest son the most.
There is a parallel story about married Lila ( Tara’s friend) belonging from the species of ultra- rich Delhiites who looses her father suddenly which creates turmoil in the family with the adopted younger son and her.
Guha has very smartly covered the topics of gender biases, sibling rivalries, environmental issues, politics, family dynamics, generation gap, etc in the book.
What is liked in the book?
1)His writings - wonderfully articulated thoughts
2)Complex practical day to day issues
3)Grey areas when it comes to human natures
4)Sneak pic into Ultra rich Delhi, etc
5)How apt the title of the book is! ( Loved the simile of Lions vs Tigers share when compared with son vs daughters share in inheritance )
What I did not like?
1)The end, could it have been better?
I couldn’t digest it
2)It did get dry in for few pages in the middle to read
3)Did not seem to understand Tara and Vikram Chacha’s conversation
Overall
A solid 3.5/5✨ for me!
August 14, 2025
It was extraordinary.
It was the best contemporary fiction book I have ever read.
The author beautifully describes the complex relationships between siblings, parents. As well as the societal and environmental norms that changed our lives as we grew into more modern terms. This book is the real portrait of Delhi. The book is definitely a complex read but it is written so brilliantly that you'll consume it like your life depends on this book.
The book is about Tara and Lila, and how their life is turned upside down when Tara's father calls for a family summit and Lila's father died. Guha describes the relationship between the characters so nicely, it feels like looking into a mirror.
At first I was like what is going on in this book but after getting into it, I was thankful to myself for reading it.
The first thing I noticed was patriarchy, how Tara's mother is not given importance during family meeting. How she never sits down during important talks and is more worried about kitchen chores. This just shows how real and aggresive this book is. Then we have two miserable sons, who are good for nothing. Two fathers, who seems to be crazy. Two daughters, fighting this war.
The climax scene is what makes this book unforgettable. I have never read a book by an Indian author that is so powerful which leaves a mark on my heart forever. This is the one.
I usually don't re-read books but if I want to, The Tiger's Share is going to be the one.
It was the best contemporary fiction book I have ever read.
The author beautifully describes the complex relationships between siblings, parents. As well as the societal and environmental norms that changed our lives as we grew into more modern terms. This book is the real portrait of Delhi. The book is definitely a complex read but it is written so brilliantly that you'll consume it like your life depends on this book.
The book is about Tara and Lila, and how their life is turned upside down when Tara's father calls for a family summit and Lila's father died. Guha describes the relationship between the characters so nicely, it feels like looking into a mirror.
At first I was like what is going on in this book but after getting into it, I was thankful to myself for reading it.
The first thing I noticed was patriarchy, how Tara's mother is not given importance during family meeting. How she never sits down during important talks and is more worried about kitchen chores. This just shows how real and aggresive this book is. Then we have two miserable sons, who are good for nothing. Two fathers, who seems to be crazy. Two daughters, fighting this war.
The climax scene is what makes this book unforgettable. I have never read a book by an Indian author that is so powerful which leaves a mark on my heart forever. This is the one.
I usually don't re-read books but if I want to, The Tiger's Share is going to be the one.
July 5, 2025
While Keshava Guha deserves credit for convincingly writing from a female protagonist’s point of view, Tiger’s Share ultimately fell flat for me. The writing style felt overly verbose, with far too much exposition to set the stage. Despite being set in Delhi, the city never truly came alive on the page.
Told solely from the sister’s perspective, the plot unfolded in a strange and somewhat implausible way. The twists felt forced, and the ending left me unconvinced. What could have been a layered, emotional story turned into a tangled and unsatisfying read.
A well-intentioned effort, but not one I particularly enjoyed.
Told solely from the sister’s perspective, the plot unfolded in a strange and somewhat implausible way. The twists felt forced, and the ending left me unconvinced. What could have been a layered, emotional story turned into a tangled and unsatisfying read.
A well-intentioned effort, but not one I particularly enjoyed.
May 31, 2025
4.25 stars 🌟
First of all, thank you so much Hachette India for providing me with the hardcover ARC of this lovely book!
Disclaimer: Though I am extremely grateful for the review copy, my opinions are all my own, and not influenced in any way by anything other than what I read in the book.
Now, onto the review!
Let me tell you that I stayed up until 4:30 AM to finish this last night, during freaking exam season! And honestly, I do not regret that. I have been gushing on Insta about how high my expectations were for this book, and honestly, I think it did fulfil them.
This is the kind of book which will gently coerce you into thinking. You can't just mindlessly read it, no matter how tired your mind is, and honestly, it's kinda like a sweet massage on your aching muscles! Just in case you're now befuddled by my analogies, what I mean is simply that the characters and the plot is so riveting, that you WILL judge, sometimes liking them, sometimes questioning their actions and morals, not just a few characters, but all of them, including our main character.
The book sheds light upon the realistic side of family dynamics which we all see, but often don't give enough thought to consider more than one side of it. If you're looking for modern Indian literature, diving into the life of the upper class society, probing into the relationships between family, friends, lovers, acquaintances, all of it; you should give this a try! The issues, of course, are not just limited to the upper class, and you can clearly see that when you read it (PLEASE DO!)
I do however, feel a bit conflicted about the ending, but not conflicted enough to have liked it any less. Just enough to want to be able to have long discussions about whatever happened in the book. Honestly, this is probably the perfect Book Club book. It will leave you with A LOT to discuss!
Oh, and of course, I won't leave out the part where I tell you in brief WHAT to expect!
🐯The wealthy ones of Indian society
🐯Family dynamics where no one is 100% right. You can judge all of them.
🐯Relatable characters, whether you're a woman or a man, you will find some character you will probably relate to
🐯Sibling dynamics, not exactly the loving kind
🐯The elder sister's POV
🐯SINGLE CHILD REPRESENTATION (Yayyyy)
🐯Of course, talks about the environment, wildlife, which plays quite a role in the story
First of all, thank you so much Hachette India for providing me with the hardcover ARC of this lovely book!
Disclaimer: Though I am extremely grateful for the review copy, my opinions are all my own, and not influenced in any way by anything other than what I read in the book.
Now, onto the review!
Let me tell you that I stayed up until 4:30 AM to finish this last night, during freaking exam season! And honestly, I do not regret that. I have been gushing on Insta about how high my expectations were for this book, and honestly, I think it did fulfil them.
This is the kind of book which will gently coerce you into thinking. You can't just mindlessly read it, no matter how tired your mind is, and honestly, it's kinda like a sweet massage on your aching muscles! Just in case you're now befuddled by my analogies, what I mean is simply that the characters and the plot is so riveting, that you WILL judge, sometimes liking them, sometimes questioning their actions and morals, not just a few characters, but all of them, including our main character.
The book sheds light upon the realistic side of family dynamics which we all see, but often don't give enough thought to consider more than one side of it. If you're looking for modern Indian literature, diving into the life of the upper class society, probing into the relationships between family, friends, lovers, acquaintances, all of it; you should give this a try! The issues, of course, are not just limited to the upper class, and you can clearly see that when you read it (PLEASE DO!)
I do however, feel a bit conflicted about the ending, but not conflicted enough to have liked it any less. Just enough to want to be able to have long discussions about whatever happened in the book. Honestly, this is probably the perfect Book Club book. It will leave you with A LOT to discuss!
Oh, and of course, I won't leave out the part where I tell you in brief WHAT to expect!
🐯The wealthy ones of Indian society
🐯Family dynamics where no one is 100% right. You can judge all of them.
🐯Relatable characters, whether you're a woman or a man, you will find some character you will probably relate to
🐯Sibling dynamics, not exactly the loving kind
🐯The elder sister's POV
🐯SINGLE CHILD REPRESENTATION (Yayyyy)
🐯Of course, talks about the environment, wildlife, which plays quite a role in the story
May 6, 2025
-If you were to die tomorrow, pick this book today-
Review of 'The Tiger's Share'
Quote Alert
"𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝
𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞; 𝐚𝐧��� 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞
𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭."
If you were to die tomorrow, pick this book today.
'The Tiger's Share' is one of those books that have the strength to rattle your ribcage. It sets your heart leaping across its bony prison with every intention to shatter it, blow it into smithereens. It's a story perfect to shake you out of your reading stupor. I finished it within 24 hours, a personal record. Every time I put it on the table, it roars at me, sinking its iron-like fangs into my skull and pulling me closer like a willing reading slave. It's more addictive than any narcotic could ever be.
Pathetic but aggressive sons, crazy fathers, ignorant but biased mothers, warring daughters all grinding themselves to death in the slow choking air of Delhi. Yes, Delhi is now fittingly defined by its smoky sky. Want to die? Come live in the city.
The climax is one solid twist that would be very much home in a science fiction or a fantasy. It is the superb writing skill of Guha that makes us buy it. I almost wanted to search that YouTube video he mentions. I know a reviewer shouldn't be, but I am really speechless (although I am not.)
Loved these lines- "Why was he so worried? He couldn't seriously think that my father would give me his share. Baba and I might be closer, but my father was a man whose notion of dharma was of duty not the expression of preference."
Review of 'The Tiger's Share'
Quote Alert
"𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝
𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞; 𝐚𝐧��� 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞
𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭."
If you were to die tomorrow, pick this book today.
'The Tiger's Share' is one of those books that have the strength to rattle your ribcage. It sets your heart leaping across its bony prison with every intention to shatter it, blow it into smithereens. It's a story perfect to shake you out of your reading stupor. I finished it within 24 hours, a personal record. Every time I put it on the table, it roars at me, sinking its iron-like fangs into my skull and pulling me closer like a willing reading slave. It's more addictive than any narcotic could ever be.
Pathetic but aggressive sons, crazy fathers, ignorant but biased mothers, warring daughters all grinding themselves to death in the slow choking air of Delhi. Yes, Delhi is now fittingly defined by its smoky sky. Want to die? Come live in the city.
The climax is one solid twist that would be very much home in a science fiction or a fantasy. It is the superb writing skill of Guha that makes us buy it. I almost wanted to search that YouTube video he mentions. I know a reviewer shouldn't be, but I am really speechless (although I am not.)
Loved these lines- "Why was he so worried? He couldn't seriously think that my father would give me his share. Baba and I might be closer, but my father was a man whose notion of dharma was of duty not the expression of preference."
July 1, 2025
I loved The Tiger's Share. It's a sharp and biting analysis of what I see as the Nehru shirt wearing liberal middle classes' who revel in speaking English and reading novels as they do rather well in midling careers in law, finance and other respectable pursuits. Guha lampoons these navel gazing not-quite posh but certainly well off characters with their younger far more patriotic siblings who, through a mixture of national pride, religious fanatisism and downright facism cut off the knees of this retiring wannabe-European middle class of Delhi. I feel like I know each character intimately, as if I am one of their friends that seems to hover around them like an insignifcant but ignorable bug of some sort, observing safely from a distance. Tara, in my view, is such a rich painting of a modern career woman, flawed and rightous all the same.
It's a temperature check on contempory India, Keshava's storytelling is excellent whilst he paints a picture of Delhi's late twenties and early thirties metropolitan elite, all whilst the heat of the climate crisis and sociological breakdown pricks at their necks. The ending is sensationalist and baffling in equal measure. I inhaled this, so much so I convinced my local bookshop to order some copies in. Read it if you see any part of yourself in this review, it's worth your time.
It's a temperature check on contempory India, Keshava's storytelling is excellent whilst he paints a picture of Delhi's late twenties and early thirties metropolitan elite, all whilst the heat of the climate crisis and sociological breakdown pricks at their necks. The ending is sensationalist and baffling in equal measure. I inhaled this, so much so I convinced my local bookshop to order some copies in. Read it if you see any part of yourself in this review, it's worth your time.
May 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Keshava Guha’s @keshavaguha Tigers Share.
It’s a multi layered story in our stylish, chaotic and complicated South Delhi society. Sibling rivalries, inheritances, friendships, professions, ecological collapses and spirituality are only a few layers that this book encapsulates.
It’s a story of several protagonists. Tara & Lila, Kunal & Rohit. One would argue the storyline is highly entitled, a first world crisis or a ‘rich people problem’ but no- it’s so damn relatable and real.
It’s always so refreshing to a read a book that you can be engrossed in.
It’s a multi layered story in our stylish, chaotic and complicated South Delhi society. Sibling rivalries, inheritances, friendships, professions, ecological collapses and spirituality are only a few layers that this book encapsulates.
It’s a story of several protagonists. Tara & Lila, Kunal & Rohit. One would argue the storyline is highly entitled, a first world crisis or a ‘rich people problem’ but no- it’s so damn relatable and real.
It’s always so refreshing to a read a book that you can be engrossed in.
May 8, 2025
This book is very thought provoking and will make you question your choices.
I liked the lucid narrative which hooked me from the start. At times I couldn't relate to characters so it gave me a fresh perspective about different concepts of life.
This book focuses on different choices which people have to take such as people or principles, siblings or parents, your pov Or others and the consequences that one has to face with those choices.
With this book you will learn and grow subtly. Highly recommended for all!
I liked the lucid narrative which hooked me from the start. At times I couldn't relate to characters so it gave me a fresh perspective about different concepts of life.
This book focuses on different choices which people have to take such as people or principles, siblings or parents, your pov Or others and the consequences that one has to face with those choices.
With this book you will learn and grow subtly. Highly recommended for all!
September 21, 2025
Written well but lots of unfinished sentiments, and too many issues to tackle without really honing into any of them.
April 24, 2025
An unflinching take on the way gender roles are playing out in modern India. The characters developed powerfully through book, causing me to reflect on my own baises and stereotypes. The story moves fast, and keeps you on your toes.
After a long time, I was gripped by a novel. So much so that I started it one evening and read it cover to cover, work be damned the next day. Would highly recommend.
After a long time, I was gripped by a novel. So much so that I started it one evening and read it cover to cover, work be damned the next day. Would highly recommend.
April 1, 2025
Insightful and terribly witty, Guha’s prose is un-putdownable. I felt like I knew many of these characters SO very well already. And found myself giggling and nodding at the many idiosyncrasies Guha has managed to pin down in language.
From the moment you meet them, you desperately want to know the fates of these characters - within their families, polluted Delhi, the larger country… just how will their individual fates unravel in this collective skein? Amidst the smog and gloom, I found unmistakable humour, and possibly even some hope, in strong-minded characters, wedded to doing the right thing, in the right way — before it’s too late.
From the moment you meet them, you desperately want to know the fates of these characters - within their families, polluted Delhi, the larger country… just how will their individual fates unravel in this collective skein? Amidst the smog and gloom, I found unmistakable humour, and possibly even some hope, in strong-minded characters, wedded to doing the right thing, in the right way — before it’s too late.
March 27, 2025
This is among the best works I've read on contemporary Delhi, covering matters of caste, religion, gender, language and the environment in one go. What makes it work is the prose and persuasiveness of its narrator, Tara, whose instincts, confidence and strength of judgement we can rely upon to guide us through a feuding universe of big and small rivalries. Among the most unexpected elements of the novel for me were its humor (it's really funny!) and its sobering descriptions of India's deteriorating natural environment. The steadiness of Guha's pen is on full display here. Bravo.
May 5, 2025
Absolutely loved diving into The Tiger's Share! It's like attending a Delhi cocktail party—glamorous, scandalous, and hilariously insightful all at once. There is so much depth and nuance to every character which makes you see the world for what it is, grey and not simply black or white. The author brilliantly navigates hot-button issues like the environment, politics, gender roles and evolving family setups without ever losing their razor-sharp wit. It gives you a peek into the lives of the privileged in Delhi - the good, the bad and the ugly. A highly enjoyable read, one I would recommend for a long weekend.
March 25, 2025
This novel is completely gripping from start to finish. Very funny in places, deeply moving in others - it kept on surprising me till the final page. The character portraits are incredibly rich, and draw you into this superbly engaging story. It’s about so many things - siblings, friendship, status, responsibility, the environment - and powerfully grounded in Delhi, which almost becomes another character itself. Would wholeheartedly recommend.
March 18, 2026
When people say the old have ruined the world for the young, or that we need to look atter it for future generations, it's just a version of what Rohit is saying. They are saying, "Don't just think about yourself, think about all humans. The ones you haven't met and the ones who aren't yet born." Sometimes they sound like my old clients. You know, I used to ask them, when they had a good year: "Why not give a bit more to charity? We can find you the tax benefit." Always the same answer. "It is not my money, Brahmji, I am just the custodian. It belongs to my children, their children, their children's children... "Of course, not all are like that. Some of them, especially the younger ones, they really care about other species too. About preventing extinction. But even they are stuck in this same place with humans as the centre of everything. Humans have to protect others. Humans will lose out if other species go extinct. You see what I'm saying?"
Shortlisted for the 2026 Climate Fiction Prize
I read this book due to its longlisting for that 2026 Climate Fiction Prize - a prize in its second year and which this year in particular seems to be focused on near-ish future, inevitably dystopian novels.
And what is perhaps different about this novel is that it is set very much in the present day – in a Dehli which at times is almost unliveable due to climate and other man made pollution impacts – the author I believe in interviews precisely drawing a contrast with Global North novels which envisage a future unliveable climate with the issues much of the Global South is enduring today.
The lens bought to the novel is one of inheritance – and the passing on of property (the novel’s key narrative tensions are almost entirely based around two female acquaintances – both with a brother – and the issues of property inheritance from their fathers causing family and particularly sibling disputes) but also the passing on of values.
The author explained this best in an interview (with the ideas below being implicitly and in some cases explicitly covered in the novel).
I wanted to write about the conflict between two notions of inheritance that seemed to me to define life in this part of Delhi. First, the idea that wealth belongs to a family, not to individuals, and that means that future, unborn generations too have a stake – this is often cited by rich Indians as a justification for not giving money away to those who actually need it (or, implicitly, as a justification for tax avoidance). “It’s not my money”, they say, not mine to give away. One the one hand, this “Patek Philippe” approach to inheritance – you’re not an owner, just a custodian – on the other, an approach to nature which says that all that matters is to accumulate and consume as much as possible right now, and to hell with future generations and giving them a city or planet fit to live in. So Delhi parents hope to pass on physical property, even if that property is in an ecological hellhole. But a question that animates my novel is, what nonmaterial values are they going to pass on?
The first party narrator is Tara (in the novel’s best line – “technically a millennial, but only in the way a tomato is technically a fruit”) – daughter of Brahm Saxena, her father at the time of the novel having retired for five years from his fairly successful accountancy practice – and the novel effectively begins with him telling his family (Tara and her brother Rohit) that he is intending in effect to use his money for an as yet unshaped purpose (but one aimed at for an as yet unshaped purpose (but one aimed at countering the impact of humans on the eco-system) and that his children should expect no more funding or inheritance. For Tara, a successful lawyer this is not that big an issue but for Rohit – something of a serial waster – it undermines his entire future and immediately leads to a family breach.
Meanwhile she is contacted by an old friend Lila – whose father (who built a fortune from air-conditioning) died recently – and whose adopted brother Kunal is acting assertively (in Lila’s views outrageously) on the assumption that as the male son and notwithstanding any will stipulating a share of the assets he is naturally the new head of the family business – she wants Tara to try and legally intimidate Kunal with a back up plan to blackmail him using CCTV footage of him bizarrely drinking his father’s ashes in his protein shakes.
Kunal has set up a new body which seems to be attempting to gain political influence and hand-in-hand fortune by building up an online, very pro-India/Hindu education service – with Rohit as right hand man and Tara employs one of her interns as an undercover spy. Rohit as part of this starts a series of You Tube videos involving trying to make the word “Thrival” go viral (my rhyme).
The titular theme of the novel is of the difference between male lions (who are naturally apex predators, naturally inherit a pride and who are fawned over and serviced/served by female lions) and tigers (who have to fight hard for their share including with their families and where males/females fight for their own territory) – the idea being that Kunal and Rohit are having to adapt to a world where they need to be tigers when they had hitherto assumed they would be lions (a world the more driven Kunal is much better suited towards).
But this takes a very weird turn towards the book’s end when it becomes clear that Tara’s father – who is obsessed with following a mysterious Sister figure and whose passionate beliefs are that the biggest problem man has made – including even the environmental groups – is to place man at the centre of the earth’s system (so that even climate change and pollution are seen in terms of their impacts on humanity) – has decided to make himself literally the tiger’s share.
The author said in the same interview “This is …….. not a didactic novel: it has no message. Of course, I’d be thrilled if it sparks conversations about inheritance, or how to recover idealism, or how to stop and begin to reverse the destruction of our ecology, but it is a novel, not a work of social and political commentary, and I hope it is read that way.”
And I have to say that on this measure what should have been an intriguing novel (and one which feels as such when I try to review it) and one clearly intelligently written (and with an extremely intelligent/switched-on/sassily observant narrator) was just not one I enjoyed at all – and felt distanced from throughout.
Necessarily the treatment involves having a pretty privileged cast who mainly spend their time bemoaning that their privilege is not greater and this added one layer of distance as I simply disliked every character. Another layer was I think perhaps more a cultural one – the world described relies on a series of references (geographical, music, films, family conduct, generational relationships, food etc) that rather than bringing me into a world made me feel on the outside looking in. And this was not helped by a rather sprawling cast of side characters who I struggled to keep track of – it felt like every-time one such character reappeared I had to try and piece together their earlier appearance. Finally too many elements – the ashes, the tiger – just struck me as odd (whether meant to be literal or metaphorical).
So overall not a novel for me unfortunately.
March 8, 2025
Tara ('technically a millennial, but only in the way a tomato is technically a fruit') is a successful lawyer in Delhi, following in the footsteps of her much-loved father, Brahm, a dedicated accountant who built up his practice over decades to support his family. Tara does not want children of her own, but she still sees herself as her father's inheritor, and thoroughly approves of his decision, announced at a family summit at the start of this novel, to not pass down his assets to either her or her slapdash brother Rohit. But her mother cannot countenance Brahm's refusal to will his money to his children nor Tara's belief that it's his choice, and a family rift begins. I heard Keshava Guha talk about The Tiger's Share at the Durham Book Festival back in October, and I was totally engaged by the intellectual project he described. He pointed out that white Global North writers tend to set their climate crisis novels in near-future dystopias, but people in Delhi are already living in that dystopia: ‘people have never breathed this air in human history’. As this suggests, The Tiger's Share is about the problematic accumulation of human assets at the expense of the rest of the ecosystem. Brahm's decision is not driven by a desire to teach his son a lesson nor even to make a better world for future generations, but by his belief that humans need to learn that they are only a part of a bigger whole.
At the festival, Guha spoke about how English nineteenth-century novels, like Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South (1855) were committed to 'taking the temperature of society', and that ambition is clear in his portrait of South Delhi. The Tiger's Share is barely 250 pages long but it has such scope; the chapters sometimes feel like linked short stories as Tara moves between an acquaintance with two frustratingly spoilt Indian men to an encounter in Italy with her ex Wojciech to her alliance with friend Lila to a party in the gated community of Golf Links that brings most of the characters together. As someone entirely unfamiliar with Delhi, I loved Guha's analysis of this particular part of its society. The city clearly deserves many more novels like this one. Guha is such an intelligent writer; I found this a slow read simply because of how much he packs into his prose. For example, when Tara describes Lutyens' Delhi, an area of the city designed by an inter-war British architect: 'you can see that Lutyens was hired as a set designer, not an urban planner: a city is for living in: a capital is for the impressing of visiting dignitaries. For seventy years we had trimmed and watered the plants, swept the streets, and managed to avoid fouling up the Lutyens plan with Stalinism or bling... I could spread my arms either side of me like eaves and gawk at our governmental Disneyland'. Each reference is carefully chosen and freighted with social significance. Nothing in The Tiger's Share is skippable or skimmable.
This rich novel is so worth reading, but I imagine some readers may find it indigestible precisely because it ranges so far. The heart of the story is the relationship between Tara and her father, and although that comes beautifully into focus by the end, it's easy to lose the thread given how much more Guha introduces. I loved Tara's development as a character and the tensions both she and her father feel between family relationships and obligations to the wider world. The theme of inheritance hit home to me because both of my parents are currently hell-bent on trying to leave my sister and I as much money as possible, even though we both take Tara's position; we don't expect to receive anything and would much prefer it if they spent the money on themselves. I don't know if The Tiger's Share will reach a wide readership, but I hope it gets the literary accolades it deserves.
Thanks to John Murray Press for the proof copy of this novel I picked up at the Durham Book Festival.
At the festival, Guha spoke about how English nineteenth-century novels, like Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South (1855) were committed to 'taking the temperature of society', and that ambition is clear in his portrait of South Delhi. The Tiger's Share is barely 250 pages long but it has such scope; the chapters sometimes feel like linked short stories as Tara moves between an acquaintance with two frustratingly spoilt Indian men to an encounter in Italy with her ex Wojciech to her alliance with friend Lila to a party in the gated community of Golf Links that brings most of the characters together. As someone entirely unfamiliar with Delhi, I loved Guha's analysis of this particular part of its society. The city clearly deserves many more novels like this one. Guha is such an intelligent writer; I found this a slow read simply because of how much he packs into his prose. For example, when Tara describes Lutyens' Delhi, an area of the city designed by an inter-war British architect: 'you can see that Lutyens was hired as a set designer, not an urban planner: a city is for living in: a capital is for the impressing of visiting dignitaries. For seventy years we had trimmed and watered the plants, swept the streets, and managed to avoid fouling up the Lutyens plan with Stalinism or bling... I could spread my arms either side of me like eaves and gawk at our governmental Disneyland'. Each reference is carefully chosen and freighted with social significance. Nothing in The Tiger's Share is skippable or skimmable.
This rich novel is so worth reading, but I imagine some readers may find it indigestible precisely because it ranges so far. The heart of the story is the relationship between Tara and her father, and although that comes beautifully into focus by the end, it's easy to lose the thread given how much more Guha introduces. I loved Tara's development as a character and the tensions both she and her father feel between family relationships and obligations to the wider world. The theme of inheritance hit home to me because both of my parents are currently hell-bent on trying to leave my sister and I as much money as possible, even though we both take Tara's position; we don't expect to receive anything and would much prefer it if they spent the money on themselves. I don't know if The Tiger's Share will reach a wide readership, but I hope it gets the literary accolades it deserves.
Thanks to John Murray Press for the proof copy of this novel I picked up at the Durham Book Festival.
September 6, 2025
The Tiger's Share is an irreverent look at Delhi, more specifically south Delhi society. A society that has money, education, power, but deeply rooted in patriarchy.
Lila and Tara are two educated women in Delhi. Through them, and their siblings, Kunal and Rohit, one comes to know the truth about Indian society. We educate our daughters, make them successful and self-reliant, but sons are still treated as raja betas. Without any aim in life, they drift, banking on the fact that ultimately they will be the inheritors of their parents' wealth.
Lila's character is full of greys. She is smart, successful, but there is a lack of empathy in her. Being from a rich family, she lives in her own capsule, and everyone who doesn't fit her ideals, is immediately dismissed. She refuses to understand the reasoning behind Kunal's desire to be the head of the family and control the finances. Her analogy about lions and tigers does make sense, though. I found her extremely unlikable.
Tara, on the other hand, is also dismissive of her brother. But as the story progresses, she understands Rohit's resentment and tries to take steps to rectify it. However, the change in Tara, feels a little forced. Tara is the narrator of the story, but Tara's thoughts still contain the snarkiness, despite her actions.
This book left me deeply confused. On one hand, there are certain places that one can't help but laugh aloud at the flashes of snarky wit. It slashes through the book, making reading it a great experience.
But I also didn't understand the logic of Brahm Saxena's actions. An outlier, Brahm Saxena, is not a character I have come across in any book. And he made me curious. Moreover, I think, by making Kunal and Rohit closet right-wingers, the author might have been too direct, leaving no room for subtlety. They both fit the template of a right-winger in India currently. Moreover, the book repeatedly mentions the condition of the Muslims in India being affected by the right-wing government, but it really feels superfluous to the issue raised by the book.
So final verdict? Well the book does stand out for its wit, but I do think there is something lacking in the book to make it an awesome read for me
Lila and Tara are two educated women in Delhi. Through them, and their siblings, Kunal and Rohit, one comes to know the truth about Indian society. We educate our daughters, make them successful and self-reliant, but sons are still treated as raja betas. Without any aim in life, they drift, banking on the fact that ultimately they will be the inheritors of their parents' wealth.
Lila's character is full of greys. She is smart, successful, but there is a lack of empathy in her. Being from a rich family, she lives in her own capsule, and everyone who doesn't fit her ideals, is immediately dismissed. She refuses to understand the reasoning behind Kunal's desire to be the head of the family and control the finances. Her analogy about lions and tigers does make sense, though. I found her extremely unlikable.
Tara, on the other hand, is also dismissive of her brother. But as the story progresses, she understands Rohit's resentment and tries to take steps to rectify it. However, the change in Tara, feels a little forced. Tara is the narrator of the story, but Tara's thoughts still contain the snarkiness, despite her actions.
This book left me deeply confused. On one hand, there are certain places that one can't help but laugh aloud at the flashes of snarky wit. It slashes through the book, making reading it a great experience.
But I also didn't understand the logic of Brahm Saxena's actions. An outlier, Brahm Saxena, is not a character I have come across in any book. And he made me curious. Moreover, I think, by making Kunal and Rohit closet right-wingers, the author might have been too direct, leaving no room for subtlety. They both fit the template of a right-winger in India currently. Moreover, the book repeatedly mentions the condition of the Muslims in India being affected by the right-wing government, but it really feels superfluous to the issue raised by the book.
So final verdict? Well the book does stand out for its wit, but I do think there is something lacking in the book to make it an awesome read for me
August 27, 2025
A story about 2 families dealing with inheritance, family disputes, expectations and entitlements.
Brahm Saxena, recently retired accountant, announces to his family (read: children) that he has fulfilled all his duties towards them and that they should not expect anything further. The daughter, Tara, a well established lawyer with her own practice in Delhi, is okay and accepting of the decision but her brother, Rohit, is taken aback. Tara tries to be as supportive as possible whereas Rohit silently resents his father.
In case of the Chawla family, the death of the father, results in a bitter fight (read: Cold War) between the adopted son, Kunal, and the biological daughter, Lila. Kunal tries to stake his claim as the head of the family, and believes that what is their father’s should eventually pass onto him. Lila, US return, head of a PE fund, believes in equality and is ready to fight tooth and nail to sabotage Kunal’s plan.
Lila reaches out to Tara stating she needs her “as a friend (which is surprising because they haven’t been in touch in ages) and as a lawyer.”
Guha questions the following -
Are our parents right in deciding whether we should get everything that is theirs? Shouldn’t they be within their rights to decide what needs to be done?
If what is our parents’ is ours, then who should it pass on to - the son, who will continue the family lineage or the daughter, who the society believes is part of a different family post marriage?
Despite all the progress (financial, cultural and thought) that India has made in recent times, why is it that the issue of inheritance still prevails in all the economic strata?
Against a backdrop of Delhi and the worsening climate, Guha makes us question - what is it that the present generation is leaving for the future generation?
Brahm Saxena, recently retired accountant, announces to his family (read: children) that he has fulfilled all his duties towards them and that they should not expect anything further. The daughter, Tara, a well established lawyer with her own practice in Delhi, is okay and accepting of the decision but her brother, Rohit, is taken aback. Tara tries to be as supportive as possible whereas Rohit silently resents his father.
In case of the Chawla family, the death of the father, results in a bitter fight (read: Cold War) between the adopted son, Kunal, and the biological daughter, Lila. Kunal tries to stake his claim as the head of the family, and believes that what is their father’s should eventually pass onto him. Lila, US return, head of a PE fund, believes in equality and is ready to fight tooth and nail to sabotage Kunal’s plan.
Lila reaches out to Tara stating she needs her “as a friend (which is surprising because they haven’t been in touch in ages) and as a lawyer.”
Guha questions the following -
Are our parents right in deciding whether we should get everything that is theirs? Shouldn’t they be within their rights to decide what needs to be done?
If what is our parents’ is ours, then who should it pass on to - the son, who will continue the family lineage or the daughter, who the society believes is part of a different family post marriage?
Despite all the progress (financial, cultural and thought) that India has made in recent times, why is it that the issue of inheritance still prevails in all the economic strata?
Against a backdrop of Delhi and the worsening climate, Guha makes us question - what is it that the present generation is leaving for the future generation?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
This is a story set in Delhi, India. It is a wet slap on the face of the patriarchal society still prevalent there, but is delivered in a way which makes the slap feel wrapped in a soft towel which smells like roses. Tara Saxena is a much sought after practicing young lawyer who has a younger brother Rohit who was never thought to be as brilliant as his sister right from his childhood to adolescence. This invisible chasm keeps the siblings apart on mental & emotional level as well as from physically being with or for each other while growing up under the same roof. Brahm Saxena was a dutiful father & gave his children one wealth which he deemed no one could ever snatch or destroy, which was good education. Tara’s mother, like typical mothers of India (mostly) keeps to herself where important decisions of the house are to be taken. Tara has only one friend, Lila, with whom she had shared her thoughts since school time. Lila is married, with a kid, who has recently shifted back to India. Kunal is Lila’s brother who is a great pal of Rohit. The story revolves around these characters which starts the day Brahm calls for a family meeting post his retirement. The author has beautifully incorporated matters of air pollution,depletion of natural fuels, animals conservation, specially Tigers, expected inheritance norms, expected societal pressures etc all the relevant matters which has been ailing our society in India as well as many countries all over the world. It is an excellent book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2025
Set in modern day South Delhi amongst the elites, this book is quite dense and thought provoking.
Lila and Tara are the two main female protagonists who join hands to expose Lila's scheming adoptive brother Kunal in order to take back what's rightfully hers (or as she thinks what's hers) after her father's death. On the other hand, Tara's relationship with her brother Rohit is in shambles because of an entirely different reason. It was interesting to witness how the layers of tension between these two unfolded.
It's more of a feud between the mediocre sons and the exceptional daughters, between the lion's share and the tiger's share. The main plot of the book revolves around the two families the Chawla's and the Saxena's.
This book speaks volumes about the family dynamics, sibling rivalry, sibling bond, friendships, power struggle, patriarchal mindset, feminism, ecology, political scenarios and what not.
This book is a mix of everything, even though subtly put it's sharp and sarcastic in its tone. It will definitely make you pull a stop and think for a minute. It's also pretty rough around the edges because the author tried to add so many layers to the narrative and linked everything together.
I loved Tara's character, she has so many layers to it and every layer when peeled made her a bit introspective and shine bright. She is no doubt the heroine of the book.
PS: To be honest, it took me some time to get a grip on it but once I started reading it, i couldn't put it down. The book definitely deserves credit.
Lila and Tara are the two main female protagonists who join hands to expose Lila's scheming adoptive brother Kunal in order to take back what's rightfully hers (or as she thinks what's hers) after her father's death. On the other hand, Tara's relationship with her brother Rohit is in shambles because of an entirely different reason. It was interesting to witness how the layers of tension between these two unfolded.
It's more of a feud between the mediocre sons and the exceptional daughters, between the lion's share and the tiger's share. The main plot of the book revolves around the two families the Chawla's and the Saxena's.
This book speaks volumes about the family dynamics, sibling rivalry, sibling bond, friendships, power struggle, patriarchal mindset, feminism, ecology, political scenarios and what not.
This book is a mix of everything, even though subtly put it's sharp and sarcastic in its tone. It will definitely make you pull a stop and think for a minute. It's also pretty rough around the edges because the author tried to add so many layers to the narrative and linked everything together.
I loved Tara's character, she has so many layers to it and every layer when peeled made her a bit introspective and shine bright. She is no doubt the heroine of the book.
PS: To be honest, it took me some time to get a grip on it but once I started reading it, i couldn't put it down. The book definitely deserves credit.
December 24, 2025
I have mixed feelings about the book.
It is a reflection of society, where every character has an agenda and goal. Whether it is Brahm Saxena and his extreme worry about climate change and a decades old urge to show it to the world in a certain manner, or whether the expectations that stem within men like Rohit who have been brought up in patriarchal society, the unfair situation that daughters like Lila and Tara face and their varied responses to it, and the expectations from the women who have given up their life to the family and in the end are left with no right, no authority, and no say in the process of asset transfer or inheritance.
The author makes a pertinent point - there is an expectation by male progeny to inherit the lion’s share just as a social lion gets it while the lionesses of the pride work their backsides off to provide land and food whereas the tiger is a solitary animal who works for territorial rights, fights off the other tigers and hunts where prey, land, water etc is scarce.
As long as the principle of giving the lion’s share to the male continues, the tiger will need to fight across ages.
The author makes the point but there is barely a solution or agreement between the protagonists. The stories move representing that each character has an agenda and they stuck to it because basically they are born and conditioned to have a specific view and nothing mattered to them not family, not friendship, and not empathy
It is a reflection of society, where every character has an agenda and goal. Whether it is Brahm Saxena and his extreme worry about climate change and a decades old urge to show it to the world in a certain manner, or whether the expectations that stem within men like Rohit who have been brought up in patriarchal society, the unfair situation that daughters like Lila and Tara face and their varied responses to it, and the expectations from the women who have given up their life to the family and in the end are left with no right, no authority, and no say in the process of asset transfer or inheritance.
The author makes a pertinent point - there is an expectation by male progeny to inherit the lion’s share just as a social lion gets it while the lionesses of the pride work their backsides off to provide land and food whereas the tiger is a solitary animal who works for territorial rights, fights off the other tigers and hunts where prey, land, water etc is scarce.
As long as the principle of giving the lion’s share to the male continues, the tiger will need to fight across ages.
The author makes the point but there is barely a solution or agreement between the protagonists. The stories move representing that each character has an agenda and they stuck to it because basically they are born and conditioned to have a specific view and nothing mattered to them not family, not friendship, and not empathy
June 18, 2025
The Tiger's Share by Keshava Guha is a well-crafted novel that explores a wide variety of themes, from family inheritance and gender norms to daughters taking a stand and fighting for what's theirs,caste, politics, and ecology.
The book is a contemporary novel that sheds light on the lives of two Indian families in Delhi, where the daughters are forced to face and challenge the typical patriarchal system, in which their brothers naturally try to inherit everything.
The author skillfully writes about caste, pollution, ecological conservation, and political situations, adding depth and relevance to the current world.
The book is written in an enjoyable manner, with a hint of sarcasm on certain topics. The characters are flawed, each steadfast in their own ideologies. There's no right answer to every question, and thus each character pursues their ambitions in their own way. The relevance of the title 'The Tiger's Share' will become clear as we explore and delve deeper into the story.
For me, the book was thought-provoking, making me question certain societal norms and political ideologies.
The book is intentionally open-ended, allowing readers to choose whether to arrive at a conclusion or simply let their thoughts and ideas linger.
But, the author's skill in making readers think is admirable in itself.
The book is a contemporary novel that sheds light on the lives of two Indian families in Delhi, where the daughters are forced to face and challenge the typical patriarchal system, in which their brothers naturally try to inherit everything.
The author skillfully writes about caste, pollution, ecological conservation, and political situations, adding depth and relevance to the current world.
The book is written in an enjoyable manner, with a hint of sarcasm on certain topics. The characters are flawed, each steadfast in their own ideologies. There's no right answer to every question, and thus each character pursues their ambitions in their own way. The relevance of the title 'The Tiger's Share' will become clear as we explore and delve deeper into the story.
For me, the book was thought-provoking, making me question certain societal norms and political ideologies.
The book is intentionally open-ended, allowing readers to choose whether to arrive at a conclusion or simply let their thoughts and ideas linger.
But, the author's skill in making readers think is admirable in itself.
April 6, 2025
The Tiger’s Share was an absolute joy to read. It is courageous, compelling and unique. The novel tells a captivating story whilst inviting the reader to reflect on pertinent and enduring themes, including privilege, patriarchy and the environment. It is somehow both specific and universal, meaning that while everyone will take something slightly different from it, everyone will take something.
Guha’s brilliant brain shines through, page after page. The writing is sharp and the imagery is striking, seamlessly transporting the reader to Delhi and beyond. Each character is equally fascinating, whether you love them, hate them or something in between. There is wit and charm in abundance. There are welcome layers to delve into, coupled with a clarity of narrative that cuts through. The result is a beautifully holistic novel that invokes deep feeling.
As someone who works on environmental issues, I appreciate the way in which Guha skilfully sheds light on pollution and our broader relationship with nature. Crucially, this novel does not preach and it is not about a dystopian future of environmental collapse. It is a magnificently nuanced and powerful take on the present day. Overall, The Tiger’s Share hits the sweet spot.
Guha’s brilliant brain shines through, page after page. The writing is sharp and the imagery is striking, seamlessly transporting the reader to Delhi and beyond. Each character is equally fascinating, whether you love them, hate them or something in between. There is wit and charm in abundance. There are welcome layers to delve into, coupled with a clarity of narrative that cuts through. The result is a beautifully holistic novel that invokes deep feeling.
As someone who works on environmental issues, I appreciate the way in which Guha skilfully sheds light on pollution and our broader relationship with nature. Crucially, this novel does not preach and it is not about a dystopian future of environmental collapse. It is a magnificently nuanced and powerful take on the present day. Overall, The Tiger’s Share hits the sweet spot.
March 19, 2025
Keshava Guha’s latest novel, The Tiger’s Share, is a beautifully crafted exploration of contemporary India set against the stark reality of environmental collapse. Guha masterfully weaves together characters of remarkable depth and authenticity. Through protagonists Tara and Lila, the novel captures complex familial relationships and societal expectations amidst shifting generational values.
The narrative unfolds with precision and emotional insight, highlighting personal aspirations and inheritances against a backdrop of ecological deterioration and political tension. Guha’s portrayal of Delhi is vivid, unsettling, yet compelling, positioning the city itself as a central character in the drama.
Ultimately, The Tiger’s Share stands out not only for its narrative strength but also for its thoughtful commentary on gender, privilege, and environmental responsibility. It is an extraordinary, deeply resonant novel that perfectly balances readability with nuanced cultural insight—an essential read for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of modern India.
The narrative unfolds with precision and emotional insight, highlighting personal aspirations and inheritances against a backdrop of ecological deterioration and political tension. Guha’s portrayal of Delhi is vivid, unsettling, yet compelling, positioning the city itself as a central character in the drama.
Ultimately, The Tiger’s Share stands out not only for its narrative strength but also for its thoughtful commentary on gender, privilege, and environmental responsibility. It is an extraordinary, deeply resonant novel that perfectly balances readability with nuanced cultural insight—an essential read for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of modern India.
July 17, 2025
I just didn't connect with this novel. It sounds fascinating, set in contemporary Delhi, dealing with gender, inheritance, privilege and the climate crisis. And the set-up of a retired father telling his two adult children that he's not going to leave them his accumulated wealth as he's already given them the education and start in life they need while he's going to spend his money and remaining years in giving back to humanity and the planet, is a provocative plot starter.
The resulting family fall-out, mirrored by a second brother and sister in the wake of their father's death, should have gripped me, especially with the gendered overlay of both brothers assuming they were entitled to the majority of the purported inheritance as they were men and, thus, head of the family. But I increasingly found myself disconnected - and, after flipping to the final chapter, found the outcome bizarre and hard to understand.
A case of it's me and not the book as so many other readers have loved this?
The resulting family fall-out, mirrored by a second brother and sister in the wake of their father's death, should have gripped me, especially with the gendered overlay of both brothers assuming they were entitled to the majority of the purported inheritance as they were men and, thus, head of the family. But I increasingly found myself disconnected - and, after flipping to the final chapter, found the outcome bizarre and hard to understand.
A case of it's me and not the book as so many other readers have loved this?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews