"Slumdog Millionaire" is based on "Q & A," a 2005 first novel by Vikas Swarup just re-released in a trade paperback edition bearing the movie's title. Swarup, an Indian diplomat who has served in Turkey, the United States, Ethiopia, and Great Britain, is currently India's Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa.
The story of a young, penniless, and semi-literate waiter who must justify how he managed to win India's biggest-ever quiz show jackpot, "Q & A" was an international bestseller, translated into 36 languages.
The breakaway hit movie ended up winning Best Movie and 7 other Oscars at last night's Academy Award ceremony, including honors for its director (Danny Boyle), screenplay, music, and cinematography. In fact if its stars had been better known, it could have been a clean sweep.
This is one to savor on the big screen -- don't miss it!