If you are drawn to the novels of Mohsin Hamid, you may want to explore other authors with similar interests. Hamid’s books often examine themes of identity, migration, and the impact of globalization on individuals and societies.
He has a way of exploring complex topics with a clarity that makes you think. For example, *The Reluctant Fundamentalist* is a conversation, a monologue really, from a Pakistani man to an American, and it makes you consider different perspectives.
Then there is *Exit West*, a book that uses magical realism to talk about migration in a way that feels both fantastical and very real. If these kinds of stories appeal to you, you might find yourself enjoying authors who write about similar subjects.
Books by Arundhati Roy often explore the rich textures of society and culture through powerful storytelling. If you enjoyed Mohsin Hamid’s thoughtful narratives, you might also connect with Roy’s distinct voice and complex characters.
Her novel “The God of Small Things” unfolds in Kerala, India, where family secrets and societal boundaries intertwine. Twins Estha and Rahel navigate childhood amid changing political tides, family tensions, and forbidden love.
Roy beautifully portrays the personal and political struggles of her characters, revealing the lasting impact of small, seemingly insignificant choices. Her careful attention to detail and empathy for her characters make her writing vivid and absorbing.
Readers who appreciate Mohsin Hamid’s thoughtful portrayal of identity and migration might also enjoy the work of Jhumpa Lahiri. Lahiri’s book “The Namesake” explores the difficulties faced by a Bengali couple who move from India to America.
Their story follows the life of their son, Gogol, an American teenager who struggles to reconcile his family’s cultural heritage with his desire to fit into American society.
Lahiri’s characters are relatable, their challenges deeply felt, and the way she writes brings to life the emotional richness behind everyone’s quest for belonging.
Books by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie often explore themes of identity, migration, and cultural conflict in a way that resonates with readers of Mohsin Hamid.
In “Americanah,” Adichie introduces Ifemelu and Obinze, two young Nigerians whose relationship takes unexpected turns when they separately leave for America and Britain. Ifemelu faces the reality of racial dynamics in America and shares her thoughts openly in a popular blog.
Meanwhile, Obinze struggles to build a life as an undocumented immigrant in London. Years later, their paths cross again in Nigeria, prompting a memorable exploration of their changed selves and the meaning of home.
Readers drawn to the thoughtful reflections and cross-cultural relationships found in Hamid’s works will certainly appreciate Adichie’s storytelling in “Americanah.”
Readers who enjoy Mohsin Hamid’s storytelling might also appreciate Kamila Shamsie’s novels. Shamsie, a Pakistani-British author, often explores themes of identity, cultural belonging, and personal redemption in a very relatable way.
Her novel “Home Fire” is a powerful adaptation of Sophocles’ “Antigone,” set in contemporary England. The story follows three siblings, Isma, Aneeka, and Parvaiz, whose lives take a dramatic turn when Parvaiz becomes influenced by extremist beliefs.
Shamsie masterfully portrays the tensions between loyalty to family, personal choices, and the pressures imposed by political and social divides. The book’s nuanced characters and timely themes offer both an emotional narrative and an insightful commentary on modern society.
Kazuo Ishiguro is a British author known for novels that explore identity, displacement, and emotional depth, themes that resonate with the thoughtful narratives fans appreciate in Mohsin Hamid’s works.
In “The Remains of the Day,” Ishiguro introduces Stevens, an English butler devoted to his duties at Darlington Hall. The story follows Stevens on a road trip through the English countryside after years of unwavering service.
As his journey unfolds, Stevens reflects deeply on loyalty, regret, and the choices he’s made, presenting a powerful look at personal sacrifice and hidden feelings beneath a veneer of professional dedication.
The novel gently examines how people navigate their lives within larger historical events, an idea readers of Mohsin Hamid’s “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” or “Exit West” might also find familiar and thought-provoking.
Books by Elif Shafak often explore identity, culture, and the tensions between tradition and modernity in vivid, powerful ways. If you are interested in Mohsin Hamid’s themes of cultural shifts and personal journeys, you might appreciate Shafak’s novel “The Bastard of Istanbul”.
It tells the intertwined stories of two young women, one Turkish and one Armenian-American. The book bravely addresses historical wounds between Turkey and Armenia, focusing on family secrets, unexpected connections, and the search for personal meaning amid cultural conflicts.
Shafak skilfully weaves humor, tragedy, and magical realism into this engaging novel. It offers insightful perspectives on how history shapes individual lives and identities.
Rohinton Mistry is an Indian-born Canadian author known for his insightful novels that explore the lives of ordinary people caught in the currents of historical and political change.
Readers who appreciate Mohsin Hamid’s exploration of identity and complex characters may find Mistry’s approach appealing.
His novel “A Fine Balance” vividly portrays four characters from different backgrounds in 1970s India, who unexpectedly become connected when their lives intersect during a state of emergency.
Through memorable characters and emotionally charged storytelling, Mistry captures the resilience and dignity of people facing harsh circumstances and uncertain futures. The novel paints a powerful portrait of friendship, hope, and struggle in a turbulent time.
If you enjoy Mohsin Hamid’s sharp storytelling and insightful look at cultural identity, you might appreciate Zadie Smith’s work. Smith is a British author known for exploring multicultural life and complex family relationships in modern society.
Her novel “White Teeth” follows two families in London from different ethnic backgrounds whose stories intersect over decades.
Friendships, generational clashes, and cultural identity issues come into play, told with humor and a thoughtful eye toward immigrant experiences and family dynamics. Smith brings vibrant characters to life, showing how personal stories intersect with larger changes in society.
Readers who appreciate Mohsin Hamid’s thoughtful storytelling may find Haruki Murakami a fitting choice. Murakami is a Japanese author who blends reality and fantasy in everyday settings. His book “Kafka on the Shore” tells the story through two intriguing characters.
Kafka Tamura is a runaway teen seeking meaning and escape, while Nakata is an elderly man with unusual abilities who embarks on a peculiar mission. Their separate stories slowly overlap, creating a layered narrative that explores themes of identity, fate, and connection.
Murakami’s imaginative scenes and vivid characters linger in the mind long after reading.
Teju Cole is a Nigerian-American author known for his reflective and urban storytelling style. Readers who appreciate Mohsin Hamid’s thoughtful narratives may find Cole’s novel “Open City” particularly engaging.
This book follows Julius, a Nigerian-German psychiatrist who wanders through New York City. He reflects on identity, belonging, history, and the complexities of modern urban life.
Cole’s subtle exploration of migration and the connections between personal and collective histories resonate with anyone drawn to Hamid’s nuanced portrayals of globalized lives.
Books by Salman Rushdie often explore cultural identity and the complexities of migration and belonging. If you appreciate Mohsin Hamid’s thoughtful narratives about crossing cultural divides, Rushdie could resonate with you as well.
His novel “Midnight’s Children” tells a vivid tale of Saleem Sinai, a boy born at the exact moment India gained independence. Through Saleem’s perspective, readers witness personal stories intertwined with India’s own struggles and transformations.
Rushdie skillfully blends magical realism, history, and powerful storytelling into a narrative that stays with readers long after the last page.
Readers who appreciate Mohsin Hamid’s exploration of deeply personal stories and complex human emotions might enjoy Han Kang’s work. Kang is a South Korean author whose novels invite readers to reflect on identity, emotional struggles, and the darker aspects of life.
In her novel “The Vegetarian,” the story follows Yeong-hye, a woman who suddenly decides to stop eating meat after a disturbing dream. Her simple act of defiance gradually disrupts her family life, her marriage, and even her own sense of self.
The book examines themes of personal freedom, societal expectations, and the quiet rebellion simmering beneath everyday life, making it an impactful and thought-provoking read.
Colson Whitehead is an American author whose stories explore complex social themes through personal experiences and powerful narratives. Readers who appreciate the thoughtful storytelling of Mohsin Hamid may enjoy Whitehead’s “The Underground Railroad.”
This novel follows Cora, a young enslaved woman who escapes a Georgia plantation in search of freedom through an actual underground railway network.
While depicting her harrowing journey, Whitehead portrays alternate versions of American history that reflect uncomfortable truths and persistent inequalities.
Whitehead blends realistic characters and emotional storytelling into a powerful and provocative book that draws readers deep into America’s history.
Amitav Ghosh is an Indian author known for his vivid storytelling and thoughtful exploration of culture, history, and identity. Readers of Mohsin Hamid might particularly appreciate Ghosh’s book “The Hungry Tide.”
Set in the lush and dangerous environment of the Sundarbans in eastern India, the novel weaves together the stories of Piya, an Indian-American marine biologist, and Fokir, a local fisherman with profound knowledge of the area’s natural rhythms.
While the characters navigate dramatic landscapes shaped by tidal waters and mangrove forests, Ghosh skillfully explores issues of cultural tension, ecological threats, and human resilience.
For those who enjoy Hamid’s nuanced portrayal of identity and displacement, Ghosh’s thoughtful narrative style and deep sense of place can offer an engaging new reading experience.
Leïla Slimani is a French-Moroccan author known for powerful novels exploring identity and cultural tensions. If you enjoyed the thoughtful narratives and layered storytelling of Mohsin Hamid, her novel “The Perfect Nanny” might interest you.
Set in contemporary Paris, this chilling tale starts simply: a successful couple hires Louise, a seemingly ideal nanny, to look after their two children. As the relationship evolves, dark undercurrents begin to surface beneath Louise’s calm exterior.
The book examines how loneliness, class difference, and family secrets combine into an unsettling portrait of domestic life.
Slimani’s sharp prose and depth make the novel more than just a thriller—it’s a fascinating look at the frailties of trust and the quiet dangers hidden behind everyday routines.