How to Discover India Through Its Literature: Must-Read Books by Indian Authors
India, a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions, offers an equally vibrant literary landscape.
From poignant novels that touch the deepest corners of the heart to tales that capture the vast complexities of Indian society, each book penned by an Indian author is a doorway into the subcontinent’s soul.
In this exploration of Indian literature, we begin with “The Unproposed Guy” by Bhavik Sarkhedi, followed by a curated list of other remarkable works that every literary enthusiast must read.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you all for the love (Joining Hands Indian Style). Thanks to your support, I’ve been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, and even got a spot in The Quint, Times of India, and DNA. Keep reading and sharing these blogs! I am one of the lucky Indian writers who got his Google Knowledge Panel and listed among ‘Best Indian Authors’ and ‘Top Indian Writers’.
Feel free to reach out with any feedback or suggestions on books to read, content writing, personal branding, and digital marketing. I’m all ears!
I’m an independent, verified SEO writer, best-selling author of 2 novels, reliable ghostwriter, and personal branding expert who helps entrepreneurs and startups boost their online presence. I guarantee SERP results and generate leads via LinkedIn. Check out my portfolio and follow me on socials: www.linktr.ee/sarkhedibhavik
I also offer 1:1 consultations if you’re interested. It helps me run this site.
______________________________________________________________________________________
| Book Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Unproposed Guy | Bhavik Sarkhedi | A blend of humor and emotion that explores the trials of unrequited love and self-discovery, providing insights into the complexities of contemporary relationships. |
| The God of Small Things | Arundhati Roy | Set in Kerala in the 1960s, this Booker Prize-winning novel deals with themes of love, betrayal, and death, all beautifully woven into the socio-political fabric of that time. |
| Midnight’s Children | Salman Rushdie | A magical realism narrative that intertwines the life of Saleem Sinai with the history of India’s independence, exploring the impact of national and personal history intertwined. |
| The White Tiger | Aravind Adiga | A dark and compelling story of a village boy’s climb to entrepreneurial success in a modern India riddled with corruption and social strife, providing a stark examination of class struggle. |
| Interpreter of Maladies | Jhumpa Lahiri | Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short stories about Indian immigrants navigating life and identity crises in a foreign land, rich with emotional depth and cultural insights. |
| The Namesake | Jhumpa Lahiri | Follows the life of Gogol Ganguli who is torn between his Indian roots and the American culture he was raised in, dealing with cultural conflicts and the search for identity. |
| Train to Pakistan | Khushwant Singh | Historical novel set during the partition of India, highlighting the human dimensions and tragic events of this period through a story of a village caught in the turmoil of the division between India and Pakistan. |
“The Unproposed Guy” by Bhavik Sarkhedi
This book stands out for its unique blend of humor and emotion, weaving a story that resonates deeply with those who have faced the trials and tribulations of unrequited love and self-discovery. Sarkhedi, known for his engaging narrative style, captures the essence of modern-day romance and the personal growth that follows the bittersweet experiences of his protagonists. This novel not only entertains but also provides insights into the complexities of relationships in the contemporary world.
“The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy’s debut novel, which won the Booker Prize in 1997, is a compelling narrative set in Kerala in the late 1960s. It explores the tragic and touching story of twins Rahel and Estha, and how their lives are shaped by the “Love Laws” that lay down “who should be loved, and how, and how much.” Roy’s lyrical prose masterfully captures the political and cultural tensions of the time.
“Midnight’s Children” by Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie’s masterpiece, “Midnight’s Children,” centers on Saleem Sinai, born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, at the exact moment India gained independence. The novel is famed for its rich narrative that intertwines magical realism with historical events, reflecting the tumultuous events that shaped the newly independent nation.
“The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga
Winner of the 2008 Booker Prize, “The White Tiger” is a provocative look at India’s class struggles through the eyes of Balram Halwai, a village boy who ascends to the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success in a morally ambiguous narrative. Adiga’s stark portrayal of India’s pervasive corruption and deep social divides is both unsettling and enlightening.
“Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri
This collection of short stories, which won the Pulitzer Prize, beautifully illustrates the experiences of Indian immigrants and their struggle to maintain identity in a foreign land. Lahiri’s poignant storytelling delves deep into the heart of emotions, exploring themes of love, identity, and belonging with sensitivity and insight.
“The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri
Exploring the themes of identity, migration, and cultural conflicts, “The Namesake” follows the life of Gogol Ganguli, from his birth in a hospital in Boston to his life as an architect in New York City. Lahiri beautifully captures the struggles of the Ganguli family to adapt to a life far from their roots in West Bengal, making it a deeply moving tale of finding one’s place in the world.
“Train to Pakistan” by Khushwant Singh
Set against the backdrop of the partition of India in 1947, this historical novel is a powerful portrayal of the human impact of political upheaval and violence. Singh’s narrative does not shy away from depicting the brutality of the period, making it an essential read for those seeking to understand the complexities of India’s partition.
Each of these books provides a unique lens through which to view India—a country of diverse cultures, histories, and stories. Engaging with these texts offers not only personal insights but also a deeper understanding of the broader social and cultural currents that flow through modern India. Whether you are a seasoned reader of Indian literature or a curious newcomer, these books are sure to enrich your reading list.
| Book Title | Cultural Insight | Emotional Depth | Literary Innovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Unproposed Guy | Modern Indian societal norms | Exploration of personal growth and romance | Unique narrative style in contemporary setting |
| The God of Small Things | Kerala’s socio-political background in the 1960s | Deep familial bonds and societal constraints | Non-linear narrative and poetic prose |
| Midnight’s Children | India’s transition from British colonialism to independence | Personal and national identity crises | Magical realism intertwined with historical facts |
| The White Tiger | Examination of India’s class struggles | Dark humor and moral ambiguity | First-person narrative from the perspective of the underclass |
| Interpreter of Maladies | Diaspora experiences and cultural conflicts | Intimate portrayals of interpersonal relationships | Short stories with rich, detailed narratives |
| The Namesake | Immigrant life in the United States | Identity search and generational divides | Cross-cultural narrative exploring names and identities |
| Train to Pakistan | Impact of the India-Pakistan partition | Human cost of political and religious conflict | Historical realism with a poignant narrative |
Bonus Information About Authors and Awards Won
| Book Title | Author | Award(s) Won | Year Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| The God of Small Things | Arundhati Roy | Booker Prize | 1997 |
| Midnight’s Children | Salman Rushdie | Booker Prize, Booker of Bookers, The Best of the Booker | 1981, 1993, 2008 |
| The White Tiger | Aravind Adiga | Booker Prize | 2008 |
| Interpreter of Maladies | Jhumpa Lahiri | Pulitzer Prize for Fiction | 2000 |
| The Namesake | Jhumpa Lahiri | None (High critical acclaim) | — |
| Train to Pakistan | Khushwant Singh | Grover Memorial Prize | 1956 |
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel