Books Like...

'The Great Indian Novel' by Shashi Tharoor is a clever and satirical retelling of the Mahabharata, weaving in India's past from the end of the British Raj era to the 1970s. The book is dense with material and commentary, presenting various historical figures in a critical light, all while maintaining a witty and accessible tone. Tharoor manages to seamlessly blend humor with pathos, transitioning between different tones effortlessly, making the book both educational and entertaining.

The book is structured like the Mahabharata with 18 chapters, drawing parallels between characters from the epic and those from actual Indian history, particularly focusing on figures like Gandhi, Nehru, and Indira Gandhi. Tharoor's writing style is fluid and engaging, incorporating elements of wit, humor, passion, and polemic. The narrative cleverly intertwines ancient stories with modern political events, creating a fast-paced and open-ended allegory that captures the reader's interest throughout.

India After Gandhi: The History of the World's Largest Democracy by Ramachandra Guha is a magisterial work that covers the history of India from partition to the present day, highlighting key events such as the integration of princely states, the leadership of figures like Nehru and Patel, the emergence of dynasty and caste politics, and the country's positioning as a growing economic and multi-ethnic democracy. Guha's writing style is described as clear, measured, and informative, providing a detailed account of India's political, economic, diplomatic, and cultural transformation since independence in 1947. The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of Indian history, including the development of democracy, science and technology, health and education, judicial activism, and environmentalism.

"Tomb of Sand" by Geetanjali Shree is a complex narrative that weaves together themes of Indian culture, magical realism, and family relationships. The story follows Ma, an octogenarian woman, as she embarks on a journey to Pakistan to reunite with her first love, Anwar, with the help of her daughter and a hijra named Rosie. Set against the backdrop of partition, the novel explores themes of love, loss, survival, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. The writing style is described as original, imaginative, and full of wordplay, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences for the reader.

"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.

'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 Far Field' by Madhuri Vijay is a novel that follows the journey of Shalini as she travels to Kashmir in search of answers about her mother's past. The story explores the complexities of relationships, the impact of political conflicts in Kashmir, and the personal growth of the protagonist as she navigates through different cultures and experiences. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, the author delves into themes of privilege, naivety, and the search for understanding in a world filled with violence and uncertainty.

The narrative weaves between Shalini's childhood memories in Bangalore and her present-day quest in Kashmir, painting a picture of a young woman grappling with her own identity while uncovering the truths hidden in her family's past. The author's writing style captures the beauty of the Kashmiri landscape, the struggles of its people, and the emotional journey of the protagonist as she confronts the harsh realities of life and the impact of her actions on those around her.

Shashi Tharoor's 'Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India' provides an expansive and detailed account of how India was plundered and impoverished by British rule. Tharoor highlights the destruction of India's thriving economy, the exploitation of Indian resources, and the devastating impact of British imperialism on Indian society. Through historical facts and narratives, the book debunks myths of benevolent British rule and exposes the true nature of colonialism in India, shedding light on the atrocities committed by the British Empire.

Tharoor's writing style is engaging and informative, offering a wealth of research and depth on the subject of British imperialism in India. The book presents a critical analysis of British colonial looting, discrimination, and exploitation, while also emphasizing the resilience and resistance of the Indian people against oppressive colonial forces. With a focus on historical evidence and detailed accounts, 'Inglorious Empire' challenges readers to confront the dark realities of colonial rule and its lasting impact on India.

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.

'Sea of Poppies' by Amitav Ghosh is a historical fiction novel set in the 19th century, revolving around a diverse cast of characters whose lives intertwine aboard a ship called the Ibis. The story explores themes of adventure, opium trade, cultural diversity, and the impact of historical events such as the Opium Wars, all depicted through a richly detailed narrative with complex characters and intricate plotlines.

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.