Arundhati Roy’s books often explore big ideas. Think about power, injustice, and how history shapes us. Her writing style is quite something; it’s beautiful and sharp at the same time.
If you enjoy books that make you think and feel, and you are looking for authors who write in a similar vein, here are some writers you might find interesting.
Readers who enjoy Arundhati Roy’s evocative writing might appreciate Salman Rushdie, another author skilled at blending lyrical prose with powerful storytelling.
His novel “Midnight’s Children” weaves the story of Saleem Sinai, a child born at the precise moment of India’s independence. Saleem’s life mirrors the struggles, conflicts, and hopes of his nation.
Rushdie mixes magic realism with historical events, creating vivid scenes that pull readers deep into India’s complicated history and rich culture.
Like Roy, Rushdie crafts stories that linger in the reader’s mind, raising deep questions about identity, destiny, and the impact of the past on the present.
Jhumpa Lahiri is an author whose vivid storytelling and emotional depth will appeal strongly to readers of Arundhati Roy. Her book, “The Namesake,” tells the story of Gogol Ganguli, born to Bengali immigrant parents in America.
Gogol struggles throughout his youth and adulthood with the conflict between two cultures. Lahiri skillfully captures the quiet moments of family life and identity, and explores how names and traditions shape personal journeys.
The novel provides thoughtful insight into the immigrant experience and family bonds, portrayed through characters that feel remarkably real and relatable.
Books by Kiran Desai offer rich exploration of identity and belonging, themes familiar to readers who enjoy Arundhati Roy. In her novel “The Inheritance of Loss,” Desai portrays intersecting lives set between India and the United States.
The story centers around a retired judge settled in the Himalayan foothills with his grandchild Sai and his cook. Meanwhile, the cook’s son struggles in New York, working in difficult conditions to fulfill immigration dreams.
Through their experiences, the novel reveals the personal conflicts caused by globalization and cultural displacement, drawing readers seamlessly into the emotional lives of each character.
Readers who appreciate Arundhati Roy’s rich storytelling and thoughtful exploration of complex themes may enjoy novels by Kamila Shamsie. Shamsie is a Pakistani-British author who blends history, identity, and cultural tensions into stories that stay with you.
Her novel “Home Fire” is a contemporary retelling of Sophocles’ “Antigone” set across London, the United States, and Pakistan.
It revolves around two Muslim families whose lives intertwine, exploring love, loyalty, and family bonds against a background of politics and personal choices. It’s a story where powerful emotions clash with contemporary realities.
Amitav Ghosh is an Indian author known for his thoughtful narrative style and vivid storytelling that readers of Arundhati Roy might appreciate. His novel “The Hungry Tide” is set in the intricate ecosystem of the Sundarbans islands in the Bay of Bengal.
The story follows Piya, an Indian-American marine biologist who arrives in the region to study dolphins, and Kanai, an interpreter from Delhi returning to visit his aunt.
Their lives intertwine with the local fisherman Fokir, as they navigate a complex landscape shaped by ecology, tradition, and conflict. The narrative explores the balance between people, nature, and culture, making visible the shared human struggle for survival.
Ghosh captures the unique, shifting terrain and the everyday lives of those who inhabit this remote place, pulling readers into a world that stays long after the final page.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author whose vibrant storytelling explores complex relationships and social tensions, similar to themes Arundhati Roy addresses in “The God of Small Things.”
Her novel “Half of a Yellow Sun” captures Nigeria during the turbulent 1960s, when the nation was torn apart by civil war.
Adichie follows characters from diverse backgrounds including Ugwu, a young village boy who becomes a houseboy; Olanna, daughter of a wealthy, influential family; and Richard, an Englishman captivated by Igbo culture.
Their lives intersect deeply as they each confront love, loyalty, and the brutal realities of war. Adichie’s skill at weaving historical events with authentic, relatable characters beautifully draws you into their world.
Readers who enjoy Arundhati Roy’s vivid portrayal of life in India might appreciate Rohinton Mistry’s writing as well. Mistry is an Indian-born Canadian author whose novels explore the everyday struggles and dreams of ordinary people in India.
His novel “A Fine Balance” brings to life the stories of four individuals from very different backgrounds during the turbulent political atmosphere of 1970s India.
As these characters face personal hardships and form unlikely friendships, Mistry masterfully illustrates how politics and economic realities directly affect their daily lives.
The narrative is emotional and deeply human, providing a raw and honest look at resilience and hope amidst uncertainty and suffering.
Toni Morrison explores rich characters and sharp societal themes through vivid storytelling. Readers who appreciate Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things” might connect with Morrison’s novel “Beloved.”
Set after the American Civil War, “Beloved” follows Sethe, a woman who escaped slavery but remains haunted by its cruel memories. Morrison reveals the effects of trauma and the lasting impact of past violence on individuals and families.
Her characters pull readers into their emotional truth, echoing echoes of loss, resilience, and the struggle for dignity.
Zadie Smith is a British novelist known for her insightful storytelling and sharp exploration of identity and culture. Her novel “White Teeth” centers around two families in multicultural London whose lives intertwine over decades.
Smith skillfully weaves humor, drama, and social commentary into the stories of the Jamaican Joneses and the Bangladeshi Iqbals as they navigate friendship, family expectations, and cultural clashes.
Readers who appreciate Arundhati Roy’s deep engagement with complex relationships and shifting identities will likely find Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth” equally thoughtful and rewarding.
Books by Bapsi Sidhwa often explore powerful historical and cultural themes through memorable characters and honest storytelling. If you enjoyed Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things,” you might find Sidhwa’s “Ice-Candy-Man” particularly moving.
Set during India’s Partition in 1947, the story unfolds through the innocent eyes of a young Parsee girl named Lenny. Lenny observes the shifting moods of the adults around her, as peaceful Lahore neighborhoods turn tense amid rising communal conflict.
Sidhwa captures emotions realistically and conveys complex events with simplicity and depth. Her writing invites readers into the everyday lives affected by historical upheaval and personal choices, creating narratives that linger long afterwards.
Books by Vikram Seth offer readers richly detailed storytelling and insightful portrayals of human relationships, appealing to those who enjoy the emotional depth and lyrical style of Arundhati Roy.
In “A Suitable Boy,” Seth brings to life post-independence India through the experiences of a vibrant and diverse cast of characters. The novel follows young Lata Mehra, whose mother is determined to find her daughter the perfect husband.
Against the backdrop of social change, political struggle, and family tradition, the novel beautifully explores love, ambition, and social expectations. Seth crafts intricate relationships and vivid scenes, immersing readers fully in the vibrant cultural landscape of the time.
Books by Anita Desai often explore the complexities of family relationships and personal identity, portrayed through vivid and thoughtful storytelling.
Readers who admire Arundhati Roy’s deep exploration of human emotions and societal themes may find Desai’s “Clear Light of Day” particularly appealing.
Set in Old Delhi, this novel follows the Das family, capturing the tensions and changing dynamics among siblings after India’s partition.
Through quiet yet powerful moments, Desai skillfully brings out the hidden conflicts and unresolved feelings of childhood that continue to shape each character’s adulthood. The book beautifully portrays personal stories against the backdrop of a changing India.
Readers who appreciate Arundhati Roy’s vivid storytelling may find Meena Kandasamy’s bold voice equally captivating. Kandasamy, an Indian poet and novelist, powerfully explores social injustice and caste discrimination.
Her novel “The Gypsy Goddess” is based on historical events, specifically the Kilvenmani massacre of 1968. The book unfolds through multiple perspectives, highlighting the struggle of oppressed agricultural laborers fighting for dignity and rights.
Kandasamy’s style blends creative narrative techniques with factual evidence, offering a fresh yet intense view of resistance and hope amidst violence. This deeply human and moving story reveals lesser-known episodes from India’s complicated past.
Readers who appreciate Arundhati Roy’s powerful storytelling and strong social themes may find Mahasweta Devi equally appealing. Devi was an influential Indian writer and social activist who dedicated her literary career to giving voice to marginalized communities.
Her book, “Mother of 1084,” is a moving narrative about a mother’s journey toward understanding her son’s involvement in radical politics during the politically turbulent 1970s in Bengal.
Through the mother’s eyes, readers experience a personal perspective on activism, loss, and the harsh realities faced by Bengali society. Devi’s honest, unembellished prose reveals the personal face of political upheaval.
Those drawn toward stories that probe complex human emotions within a larger social context will likely find Mahasweta Devi’s work thought-provoking and deeply rewarding.
Readers who appreciate the powerful storytelling and social themes found in Arundhati Roy’s books may find Nayantara Sahgal equally engaging.
Sahgal is an author known for weaving personal stories seamlessly into political dramas, often set against the backdrop of India’s historical changes. Her novel “Rich Like Us” captures life during the Emergency period in 1970s India.
The book follows two women whose worlds intersect amidst political turmoil and societal shifts. Through vivid characters and intimate narratives, Sahgal provides deep insight into how individuals navigate and resist power and oppression.
Those who value nuanced portrayals of personal courage in the face of political unrest might find Nayantara Sahgal a great next read.