If you enjoy reading books by Bharati Mukherjee then you might also like the following authors:
Jhumpa Lahiri is an author known for exploring themes of identity, family, and cultural gaps between generations.
Her book “The Namesake” tells the story of Gogol, a boy born to Bengali immigrants in the United States, who struggles with the unusual name his parents chose and the weight of his heritage.
The story spans his life from childhood to adulthood, showing his attempts to connect with both his Indian roots and his American surroundings. It’s a heartfelt look at how names, traditions, and family ties shape who we are.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni writes stories that explore Indian culture, immigrant experiences, and the lives of strong, complex women. One of her books, “The Mistress of Spices,” introduces Tilo, a woman trained in ancient magic who runs a spice shop in California.
Through her, the spices grant customers healing and guidance, but Tilo must follow strict rules to avoid upsetting their power. As she becomes drawn to the struggles and emotions of those around her, including a lonely American man, her own desires begin to challenge her duty.
This story blends everyday life with elements of myth.
Salman Rushdie is an author known for blending history, culture, and fantasy in a way that brings stories vividly to life. His book “Midnight’s Children” follows Saleem Sinai, a boy born at the moment India gained independence.
Through Saleem’s life, the story connects personal events with key moments in India’s history. The book is rich with family drama, magical elements, and the weight of historical change, offering a unique way to explore Indian identity and experience.
Amitav Ghosh is an author known for weaving history and culture into his stories. One of his books, “The Shadow Lines,” explores themes of identity and belonging.
It follows a narrator piecing together family memories and tales from three generations, spanning across India and England.
The book highlights personal and political struggles, especially through the lives of Tridib, an enigmatic family member, and Ila, a cousin caught between worlds. It captures the idea of borders, not just physical but emotional, and how they shape lives in unexpected ways.
Rohinton Mistry is a Canadian author of Indian origin who writes stories about the lives of ordinary people in India, exploring their struggles and dreams. His book “A Fine Balance” is set during India’s Emergency period in the 1970s.
It brings together four characters from different backgrounds who end up sharing a small apartment. Through their connection, the book shows the harsh realities of the time, including poverty and political oppression, while capturing moments of human kindness and hope.
Mistry’s writing paints a vivid picture of life during that era, pulling you into the world of the characters.
Kiran Desai is an author known for exploring themes of identity and migration. Her novel, “The Inheritance of Loss,” weaves a story set in a Himalayan town during the 1980s. It follows Sai, a teenager living with her grandfather, a retired judge, in a crumbling mansion.
Their quiet life is disrupted by political unrest as the Gorkhaland movement gains traction. The story also shifts to the experiences of Biju, the son of their cook, who struggles with life as an undocumented immigrant in America.
The book highlights the pain of displacement and longing while showing how global events play out in personal lives.
Arundhati Roy is an Indian author known for crafting deeply emotional stories rooted in complex family dynamics and the shifting landscapes of society. Her novel, “The God of Small Things,” explores the lives of twins, Rahel and Estha, and their family in Kerala.
The story moves between their childhood and adulthood, showing how a tragic series of events changes their lives forever. It’s set against the backdrop of cultural traditions and societal conflicts, with rich details that bring the setting and characters to life.
Roy’s writing has a way of making every moment feel vivid and personal.
Anita Desai is an Indian author known for writing deeply personal and reflective stories. In her book “Fasting, Feasting,” she contrasts the lives of two siblings, Uma and Arun. Uma stays in India, bound by family expectations, while Arun moves to the United States.
The story explores their struggles with tradition, independence, and identity. Uma’s life feels suffocating under the weight of her parents’ control, while Arun feels isolated in a foreign culture.
The book showcases the tension between family ties and individuality in a way that feels both relatable and heartfelt.
Monica Ali is a British author known for exploring identity, culture, and personal journeys. Her novel, “Brick Lane,” follows Nazneen, a woman from Bangladesh who moves to London for an arranged marriage.
The story focuses on her life in a new country, her relationship with her husband, and her quiet resilience as she finds her voice. The book offers a look into the immigrant experience and the tensions between tradition and change.
Kamila Shamsie is a writer who often explores themes of identity, family, and the weight of history. Her novel “Home Fire” reimagines the story of Antigone in a modern context, focusing on a British-Pakistani family.
The story opens with Isma, the eldest sister, traveling to America for her studies after years of caring for her younger siblings. The spotlight shifts to her brother, Parvaiz, who is drawn into the orbit of a radical group while searching for a sense of belonging.
The narrative ties together questions of loyalty, love, and the struggles of immigrant families trying to find their place in a divided world.
Vikram Seth is an author who weaves rich and layered stories. His novel, “A Suitable Boy”, explores the lives of four families in post-independence India.
At its heart is Lata, a young woman, as she navigates her mother’s wishes to find her a husband while longing to make her own choices. The novel captures relationships, traditions, and the changes sweeping through the country.
Seth’s ability to bring characters to life makes the story feel intimate and powerful.
Teju Cole is an author who writes with a strong sense of place, capturing the experience of life between cultures. His book “Open City” follows Julius, a Nigerian-German psychiatrist walking through New York City.
Julius reflects on art, history, and the people he encounters while unraveling memories of his past. The story flows through his observations, blending his personal journey with the city’s vibrant yet isolating atmosphere.
Mohsin Hamid is a writer known for creating stories that explore cultural identity and the movement between worlds.
One of his books, “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” tells the story of Changez, a young Pakistani man who lives in the U.S. and seems to be thriving in both his personal and professional life.
His perspective begins to shift after the events of 9/11, leading him to reevaluate his place in the world. The novel is told through a conversation between Changez and an unnamed American, which gives the story a tense, intimate feel.
It’s a powerful narrative about belonging and the clash between personal values and external expectations.
Tan Twan Eng is a Malaysian author known for his beautiful, reflective writing. His novel, “The Garden of Evening Mists,” tells the story of Yun Ling Teoh, a judge who returns to the Malaysian highlands after World War II.
She meets Aritomo, a former gardener to the Emperor of Japan, and they develop a unique connection as she learns the art of Japanese gardening. The book explores memory, loss, and healing through its rich setting and emotional depth.