Books Like...

"The Hungry Tide" by Amitav Ghosh is a novel set in the Sundarbans mangrove forests, exploring the lives of various characters including an Indian American marine biologist studying river dolphins, a well-to-do Indian city man, and villagers living simple lives. The book weaves together themes of human history, environmentalism, and complex relationships against the backdrop of the exotic Sundarbans, providing a vivid portrayal of the region and its people.

The narrative unfolds through the intertwined journeys of an American marine biologist and a Delhi businessman as they navigate the remote Sundarban islands, delving into themes of love, jealousy, trust, and the clash between foreign and domestic concerns. Through rich descriptions and multiple storylines, the novel captures the essence of life in modern India, offering insights into the cultural nuances, historical events, and environmental challenges faced by the characters.

The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh is a sweeping saga spanning three generations across India, Burma, and Malaya, from the early 19th century to the 1990s. The story follows interconnected families through tough times, successful business ventures, and devastation caused by the Second World War. The book delves into themes of colonialism, the road to independence, and cultural nuances, capturing the lives and interrelationships of the characters over a century full of adventure, romance, and drama.

'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is a monumental saga set in post-colonial India, revolving around the efforts of Mrs. Mehra to find a suitable husband for her daughter, Lata, amid the backdrop of 1950s India. The story follows the intertwined lives of multiple families, exploring themes of family dynamics, love, duty, and societal expectations. Despite its length, the book delves into the intricacies of Indian culture and history, offering a detailed and immersive portrayal of the characters and their experiences.

The narrative weaves together various subplots, ranging from political intrigue to personal relationships, providing a rich tapestry of human experiences against the backdrop of a changing nation. Vikram Seth's writing style is praised for its detailed characterizations, epic scope, and ability to draw readers in with its lush prose and engaging storytelling.

'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh is a historical fiction novel set during the Partition of India in 1947. The story takes place in a small village called Mano Majra, where Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations. However, as the political situation escalates and the subcontinent is divided into India and Pakistan, the village is torn apart by violence, looting, and murder. The novel portrays the impact of the Partition on the villagers, the horrors they face, and the relationships that are tested during this tumultuous time. The writing style is described as masterful, emotional, and haunting, depicting the stark realities faced by the common folk amidst the chaos created by the leaders of the day.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a captivating story set in 1950s India, following the life of Lakshmi, a talented henna artist who escapes an abusive marriage to build a successful business in Jaipur. The novel delves into the complexities of Indian culture, family dynamics, and societal expectations, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in a closed and oppressive society. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, the author paints a rich picture of Lakshmi's journey, her relationships with her sister Radha, young Malik, and other essential characters, all against the backdrop of a post-independence India.

'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga is a modern and eye-opening novel that delves into the harsh realities of Indian society. The story is narrated by Balram Halwai, a former servant turned entrepreneur, who writes a series of letters to the Premier of China detailing his rise from poverty to wealth through acts of violence and corruption. The book provides a satirical and candid look at the deep-rooted issues of poverty, corruption, and social injustice in India, while also exploring themes of power struggles, oppression, and the impact of globalization on the caste system.

Adiga's writing style in 'The White Tiger' is raw, honest, and darkly humorous, capturing the complexities of Balram's character and the stark realities of Indian society. The narrative unfolds through Balram's distinctive voice, portraying a vivid picture of a country grappling with economic growth, inequality, and moral decay. The book weaves together elements of satire, social commentary, and personal reflection to offer a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by individuals striving for success in a corrupt and oppressive system.

In a crumbling, isolated house at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas lives an embittered judge who wants only to retire in peace, when his orphaned granddaughter, Sai, arrives on his doorstep. The judge's cook watches over her distractedly, for his thoughts are often on his son, Biju, who is in New York working in one gritty restaurant after another. Kiran Desai's brilliant novel, published to huge acclaim, is a story of joy and despair. Her characters face numerous choices that majestically illuminate the consequences of colonialism as it collides with the modern world. The novel is set in a crumbling grand house in the hills below Kangchenjunga, covering poverty, wealth, and inequality in both India and the US, where the cook's son emigrates illegally to and has exploitative jobs, illustrating constant loss of dignity, love, possessions, and freedom in India.

Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil is a novel set in Bombay in the 1970s, revolving around an opium den that transitions to heroin from Pakistan. The narrative follows a diverse cast of characters, including artists, family men, gangsters, and a eunuch named Dimple, as their lives intertwine amidst the drug-fueled atmosphere. Thayil's writing style is described as dreamily hazy, capturing the essence of being under the influence of drugs, with a nonlinear timeline that adds to the drugged-up atmosphere of the story.

'The Widows of Malabar Hill' by Sujata Massey is a historical mystery set in 1920s Bombay, featuring Perveen Mistry, the first female lawyer in India. Perveen gets involved in a case where she must assist the widows of a wealthy Muslim businessman in securing their inheritances. The plot unfolds with a murder mystery, cultural complexities, and Perveen's personal backstory, providing a rich tapestry of Indian society, customs, and the challenges faced by women during that era.

The writing style in 'The Widows of Malabar Hill' is praised for its detailed descriptions of the historical setting, the characters, and the cultural nuances of colonial India. Readers appreciate the authenticity and depth of the story, as well as the engaging plot that intertwines Perveen's legal work, personal struggles, and her quest for justice for the marginalized widows living in purdah.

Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra is a sprawling epic set in Mumbai that intricately weaves together the lives of various characters from different walks of society, offering a deep dive into the complexities of Indian culture. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, primarily following Mumbai Police Inspector Sartaj Singh and mafia godfather Ganesh Gaitonde, delving into their intertwined lives and the city's underbelly. The writing style is described as immersive, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the bustling streets of Mumbai and provide a glimpse into the characters' innermost thoughts and motivations.