Explores an isolated African town caught between the modern worlds, as seen through the eyes of an uprooted Indian who comes to live there.

Continually faced with homelessness and manipulated by people in power, Mr. Biswas becomes obsessed with the idea of having his own house. Twice, he attempts to build, but the schemes fail. He finds a good job but loses it. Finally, he borrows money and, on impulse, buys a house that is shabby and defective...