In Vikas Swarup's novel Q & A, a penniless teenager named Ram Mohammad Thomas is arrested after correctly answering twelve questions on a TV quiz show. Each chapter recounts his life experiences that provided him the knowledge to answer the questions, revealing the vast social and religious divides in contemporary India. The narrative addresses themes including abuse.

Q & A by Vikas Swarup has garnered praise for its imaginative narrative and compelling storyline, inspired by a game show format. Readers admire its unique structure and engaging plot twists, though some critique its reliance on coincidences and perceived lack of depth in character development. Overall, it succeeds as an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

Readers who enjoy Q & A by Vikas Swarup are likely drawn to compelling narratives involving social issues, drama, and unexpected twists. Fans of Slumdog Millionaire (inspired by this book) and The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga will appreciate its blend of suspense, cultural context, and intricate storytelling.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Adventurous / Emotional / Dark

- Q & A by Vikas Swarup was the author's debut novel, which later inspired the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.
- Vikas Swarup, an Indian diplomat, completed writing Q & A in just two months, showcasing his unique storytelling flair.
- Q & A has been translated into over 40 languages, highlighting its global appeal and cultural impact.

**Ram Mohammed Thomas**  
An orphan who grows up in various slums and works as a servant, Ram Mohammed Thomas has a deep longing for a sense of belonging and is fascinated by films, distinguishing clearly between reality and fantasy.

**Salim**  
Thomas’s best friend and a fellow lover of films, Salim is charismatic and dreams of becoming a movie star despite the hardships of their lives.

**Neelima Kumari**  
A former famous actress obsessed with her beauty, she hires Thomas as a servant and develops a complex relationship with him.

**Nita**  
A beautiful young prostitute who has been forced into her profession by her tribe’s customs, she becomes a significant person in Thomas’s life.

**Shankar**  
An orphaned boy who becomes a close friend to Thomas; he is described as kind and honest, despite his inability to communicate in an understandable language.

Vikas Swarup

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Q & A and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Q & A Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue

Q & A Prologue Summary & Analysis

Chapters 1-3

Q & A Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7	

Q & A Chapters 4-7	 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-12

Q & A Chapters 8-12 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue	

Q & A Epilogue	 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Q & A Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Q & A Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Q & A Symbols & Motifs

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citation

Important Quotes

Q & A Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Q & A Essay Topics

Q & A Teaching Unit

Introduction

Q & A Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Q & A Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Q & A Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Q & A Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Q & A Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Q & A Activities

Essay Questions

Q & A Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Q & A Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Q & A Exam Answer Key

Q & A

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Q & A?

Reading Age

Book Details