20 Masterpieces of Indian Literature You Can’t Miss
- “The Immortals of Meluha”
- Author: Amish Tripathi
- Publisher: Westland
- Publish Date: 2010
- Buy Here: Amazon
- Summary: This book, the first in the Shiva Trilogy, takes readers on an epic journey of Shiva, a Tibetan tribal leader who discovers his destiny as the savior of the ancient land of Meluha.
2. “The God of Small Things”
- Author: Arundhati Roy
- Publisher: IndiaInk
- Publish Date: 1997
- Buy Here: Flipkart
- Summary: Roy’s debut novel explores the complexities of family, society, and forbidden love, set against the backdrop of Kerala. A powerful narrative that won the Man Booker Prize in 1997.
3. “The White Tiger”
- Author: Aravind Adiga
- Publisher: HarperCollins India
- Publish Date: 2008
- Buy Here: Snapdeal
- Summary: Adiga’s gripping novel follows the life of Balram Halwai, a chauffeur who rises from poverty to success in modern India, providing a searing commentary on class struggles.
4. “Interpreter of Maladies”
- Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
- Publisher: Mariner Books
- Publish Date: 1999
- Buy Here: Book Depository
- Summary: Lahiri’s collection of short stories delves into the lives of Indian and Indian-American characters, exploring the nuances of cultural identity and human connection.
5. “The Palace of Illusions”
- Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
- Publisher: Picador
- Publish Date: 2008
- Buy Here: Amazon
- Summary: Retelling the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, this novel weaves a captivating narrative around love, sacrifice, and the complexity of human relationships.
6. “Train to Pakistan”
- Author: Khushwant Singh
- Publisher: Roli Books
- Publish Date: 1956
- Buy Here: Infibeam
- Summary: Set during the partition of India in 1947, Singh’s novel explores the impact of political turmoil on a small village, portraying the human side of historical events.
7. “A Suitable Boy”
- Author: Vikram Seth
- Publisher: HarperCollins India
- Publish Date: 1993
- Buy Here: Bookswagon
- Summary: This expansive novel intricately weaves the lives of characters in post-independence India, offering a panoramic view of the country’s social and cultural landscape.
8. “Half Girlfriend”
- Author: Chetan Bhagat
- Publisher: Rupa Publications
- Publish Date: 2014
- Buy Here: Flipkart
- Summary: Bhagat’s contemporary romance explores the complexities of relationships and societal expectations, making it a relatable and engaging read.
9. “The Inheritance of Loss”
- Author: Kiran Desai
- Publisher: Grove Press
- Publish Date: 2006
- Buy Here: Amazon
- Summary: Desai’s novel, set in India and the United States, beautifully captures the struggles of characters dealing with identity, migration, and the search for belonging.
10. “Serious Men”
- Author: Manu Joseph
- Publisher: Fourth Estate
- Publish Date: 2010
- Buy Here: Infibeam
- Summary: Joseph’s darkly comedic novel revolves around a lower-class man’s efforts to climb the social ladder and secure a better future for his son, blending satire with poignant social commentary.
11. “The Shadow Lines”
- Author: Amitav Ghosh
- Publisher: Ravi Dayal Publisher
- Publish Date: 1988
- Buy Here: Book Depository
- Summary: Ghosh’s novel explores the borders between nations and the memories that shape our identities, offering a thought-provoking and beautifully written narrative.
12. “A Fine Balance”
- Author: Rohinton Mistry
- Publisher: Vintage Canada
- Publish Date: 1995
- Buy Here: Booktopia
- Summary: Set in 1970s India, Mistry’s novel portrays the lives of four characters from diverse backgrounds, illustrating the impact of political and social upheaval on their destinies.
13. “2 States: The Story of My Marriage”
- Author: Chetan Bhagat
- Publisher: Rupa Publications
- Publish Date: 2009
- Buy Here: Amazon
- Summary: Bhagat’s humorous take on intercultural relationships provides a light-hearted yet insightful exploration of the challenges faced by a couple from different Indian states.
14. “The Lowland”
- Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
- Publisher: Knopf
- Publish Date: 2013
- Buy Here: Flipkart
- – Summary: Lahiri’s novel delves into the intricate dynamics between two brothers and the impact of political unrest on their lives, blending personal and historical narratives seamlessly.
- “The Namesake”
- Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
- Publisher: Mariner Books
- Publish Date: 2003
- Buy Here: Bookswagon
- Summary: Lahiri’s exploration of identity, cultural clashes, and the immigrant experience through the life of Gogol Ganguli makes for a poignant and relatable narrative.
- “In Custody”
- Author: Anita Desai
- Publisher: Vintage
- Publish Date: 1984
- Buy Here: Amazon
- Summary: Desai’s novel revolves around the world of Urdu poetry, capturing the struggle to preserve cultural heritage amidst societal changes.
- “The Great Indian Novel”
- Author: Shashi Tharoor
- Publisher: Viking
- Publish Date: 1989
- Buy Here: Infibeam
- Summary: Tharoor’s satirical and imaginative retelling of the Mahabharata against the backdrop of India’s political history is a compelling read for those interested in both literature and history.
- “I Too Had a Love Story”
- Author: Ravinder Singh
- Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors
- Publish Date: 2008
- Buy Here: Flipkart
- Summary: Singh’s autobiographical novel poignantly narrates a true love story marked by tragedy, making it a heart-wrenching yet inspiring read.
- “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
- Author: Khaled Hosseini (of Indian and Afghan descent)
- Publisher: Riverhead Books
- Publish Date: 2007
- Buy Here: Amazon
- Summary: While Hosseini is of Afghan descent, his powerful novel explores the lives of two Afghan women, providing a gripping narrative of love, sacrifice, and resilience.
- “The Rozabal Line”
- Author: Ashwin Sanghi
- Publisher: Westland
- Publish Date: 2007
- Buy Here: Westland Store
- Summary: Sanghi’s thriller blends history, mythology, and modern conspiracy, making it a riveting read for those intrigued by the mysteries surrounding religion and ancient civilizations.
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