Alka Joshi’s novels transport readers to India. They present unforgettable women in vivid settings. Her stories examine family and culture, aspects many readers find absorbing.
For those who love her work and look for something similar, the question arises: which authors create books with a comparable feel? Let’s explore some writers you might enjoy.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an author known for stories that explore family, love, and identity, often drawing from Indian culture and history.
Her book “The Palace of Illusions” reimagines the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, through the eyes of Draupadi, a central character.
The novel traces her journey from a young girl to a queen, offering a deep look at her desires, struggles, and the choices she makes in a world shaped by power and destiny.
The book brings to life her perspective, shedding light on moments often overshadowed in the original epic.
Thrity Umrigar is an incredible storyteller who writes beautifully about human connections and cultural complexities. Her novel, “The Space Between Us,” tells the story of two women in modern-day Mumbai—a wealthy woman named Sera and Bhima, her loyal servant.
Despite their closeness, their lives are shaped by rigid class divisions. The story explores moments of trust and betrayal, showing how their bond is tested in profound ways.
There’s a scene where Bhima recalls her granddaughter’s laughter, and it speaks volumes about the hope she holds onto in a life full of hardship. Umrigar’s writing captures the struggles and triumphs of everyday life in a way that feels deeply personal.
Kamila Shamsie is a novelist known for writing stories that explore family ties, identity, and history. In her book “Home Fire,” she weaves together the lives of siblings torn between love, loyalty, and political tensions.
The story revolves around Isma, who has spent years raising her younger siblings after their parent’s death, and the complexities that arise when her brother’s actions connect them to a powerful British politician’s family.
The book draws readers into questions about love and sacrifice without ever feeling forced or heavy-handed. It’s a story with characters that stay with you long after you close the book.
Jhumpa Lahiri is known for her stories that explore identity, family, and cultural displacement.
Her novel, “The Namesake,” tells the story of Gogol Ganguli, the son of Bengali immigrants in America, as he struggles with his unusual name and balancing his Bengali heritage with his American upbringing.
The book follows Gogol through different stages of his life, showing the clash between the traditions of his parents and the life he wants for himself.
Moments like Gogol’s decision to legally change his name or his trips back to India reveal the push and pull of belonging to two worlds, making it a heartfelt and unforgettable read.
Vaddey Ratner writes heartfelt stories that often explore themes of resilience and cultural heritage. Her novel, “In the Shadow of the Banyan,” is set against the backdrop of the Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge.
The story follows seven-year-old Raami, a girl from a royal family whose life is torn apart during this harrowing time. Through her perspective, the book captures moments of beauty and hope even in the face of unimaginable loss.
Ratner’s writing draws heavily from her own experiences as a survivor, making the emotions feel deeply real. For readers who loved Alka Joshi’s ability to transport them to another time and place, Ratner’s work offers a similar immersive experience.
Lisa See writes stories that focus on family, culture, and relationships, often against the backdrop of Chinese history or Chinese-American experiences.
Her book “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” is about a young woman named Li-yan, born into a remote Akha ethnic-minority village in China. Her family makes a living harvesting tea, but tradition governs every aspect of their lives.
When Li-yan has a baby out of wedlock, she secretly leaves her daughter at an orphanage, breaking with her family’s customs. The story follows their lives as Li-yan tries to forge her own path and her daughter grows up in an American family.
It’s a story about sacrifice and love, rooted in culture and human connection.
Monica Ali is a skilled storyteller known for exploring cultural and personal identities. Her novel “Brick Lane” follows Nazneen, a Bangladeshi woman who moves to London after an arranged marriage.
The story traces her life in a new country, where she navigates love, loss, and her own sense of purpose. Readers get a vivid glimpse into immigrant life, with moments that feel both intimate and universal.
Aminatta Forna is an author known for her emotionally rich stories that explore human connections. Her novel “The Memory of Love” unfolds in Sierra Leone after its civil war.
The story weaves together the lives of three characters: a British psychologist who comes to work in a hospital, a local surgeon, and a man reflecting on his past love. Their lives intersect in surprising ways, revealing the scars left by violence and the resilience of hope.
The book paints a vivid picture of how love and memory shape who we are, even in the face of loss and trauma.
Anita Shreve was a writer known for exploring human emotions and relationships in her novels. One of her books, “The Pilot’s Wife,” tells the story of Kathryn, a woman whose life is upended when her husband dies in a plane crash.
As she uncovers secrets about his past, Kathryn is forced to question everything she thought she knew about him. The book captures the emotional journey of discovering hidden truths while grappling with love, loss, and betrayal.
Shreve’s storytelling often focuses on moments that can change lives forever, making her a great choice for readers who enjoy Alka Joshi’s explorations of personal and emotional depth.
Mira Jacob is an author known for weaving deeply personal and relatable stories. Her book, “The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing,” moves between India and America as it follows a family unraveling the secrets of their past.
At its heart is Amina, a young photographer who returns home to care for her father after he begins having conversations with dead relatives. The story explores family ties, grief, and the ways people confront their memories, with moments of humor and tenderness throughout.
It’s a beautifully told story filled with strong emotions and rich cultural connections.
Nicole Mones is an author known for weaving stories that explore culture, history, and relationships.
In her novel “The Last Chinese Chef,” she tells the story of Maggie, a widowed food writer who travels to China after learning about an unexpected claim against her late husband’s estate.
While navigating her personal grief, Maggie meets a chef named Sam, whose deep respect for traditional Chinese cuisine opens up a new world for her.
The book intertwines Maggie’s journey with the legacy of Chinese culinary art, offering fascinating glimpses into its philosophy and traditions.
Tara Conklin is an author who writes with a focus on relationships, history, and personal struggles.
One of her novels, “The House Girl,” moves between the 1850s and modern times, connecting the story of Josephine, an enslaved woman in Virginia, with Lina, a young lawyer in New York.
As Lina works on a case involving reparations for slavery, she uncovers details about Josephine’s life. The book explores the choices Josephine had to make and the secrets surrounding her escape, while Lina pieces together her role in a larger historical legacy.
Ayesha Harruna Attah is a talented author who brings stories to life with rich cultural settings and memorable characters. Her novel “The Hundred Wells of Salaga” is set in pre-colonial Ghana and follows the lives of two women.
Aminah, a young girl torn from her family to be sold into slavery, crosses paths with Wurche, the daughter of a king grappling with her own desires and responsibilities. Their intertwined journeys highlight power, identity, and survival in a time of great upheaval.
Rohinton Mistry is an author known for his rich storytelling and focus on Indian life. His book “A Fine Balance” is set in 1970s India during a period of political unrest. It follows four characters from different backgrounds who come together under one roof.
Through their lives, the story explores themes like survival, friendship, and the impact of historical events. The lives of a widow, a student, and two tailors unfold against a backdrop of hardship and resilience.
The book captures both the struggles and moments of hope in their journey.
Khaled Hosseini is an author known for weaving heartfelt stories that explore relationships and resilience. In his novel “The Kite Runner,” he tells the story of a boy named Amir growing up in Afghanistan during a time of political upheaval.
The book follows Amir and his complicated friendship with Hassan, the son of his father’s servant. One unforgettable moment revolves around a kite-flying contest that changes their lives forever.
Hosseini captures the emotions of guilt, redemption, and family bonds in a way that feels deeply personal.