If you enjoy reading books by Vikas Swarup then you might also like the following authors:
Aravind Adiga writes vivid novels that tackle India's social inequalities and divisions. His stories are sharp and unfiltered, full of memorable, complex characters navigating difficult moral choices.
In The White Tiger, Adiga introduces Balram Halwai, a poor villager who rises through dark paths to wealth and success, exposing corruption and injustice along the way.
Rohinton Mistry writes novels full of compassion, exploring the daily struggles, family bonds, and quiet resilience of ordinary people in India. His writing combines humor and empathy, bringing his characters beautifully to life.
In his novel A Fine Balance, he tells the story of four people whose lives intersect during India's political upheaval in the 1970s, highlighting the strength and dignity even amid hardship and tragedy.
Salman Rushdie blends imaginative storytelling, mythology, and historical events to create wildly inventive novels. His books often explore themes of identity, migration, colonialism, and political upheaval in bold and powerful language.
Midnight's Children is his best-known work. It's about Saleem Sinai, a boy born on the midnight marking India's independence, whose personal fate closely mirrors his country's turbulent history.
Kiran Desai writes with perceptive sensitivity, often exploring themes like displacement, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience. Her storytelling is thoughtful and evocative, offering insights into the complexities facing her characters.
In The Inheritance of Loss, Desai weaves the intertwined stories of characters living between India and the United States, examining cultural contrasts, class divides, and the emotional consequences of migrating to new countries.
Thrity Umrigar gives readers heartfelt, character-driven stories exploring friendship, family dynamics, and class divides in contemporary India. Her style is warm, intimate, and emotionally honest.
In her novel The Space Between Us, Umrigar portrays the complex friendship between two women—one privileged and the other working-class—illustrating the barriers that persist due to class and gender, even amid genuine connection.
Daniyal Mueenuddin offers vivid portraits of contemporary Pakistan through stories of everyday life. He captures both rural and urban characters, exploring issues of class, corruption, and human desire with warmth and authenticity.
His collection, In Other Rooms, Other Wonders, brings out the complexity of Pakistani society through interconnected stories.
Mohsin Hamid combines sharp storytelling with an insightful look at modern identity, globalization, and migration. His style is direct and engaging, often addressing gritty social realities.
In his book The Reluctant Fundamentalist, he tells the story of a Pakistani man whose life and perspective change dramatically after the September 11 attacks.
Manu Joseph writes with humor and sharp observation, capturing the realities of contemporary Indian society. His insightful novels often reveal the absurdities of human ambition and social privilege.
In the novel Serious Men, he humorously explores class dynamics and social pretensions through the story of a sharp-tongued clerk determined to lift his son's fortunes.
Chetan Bhagat writes straightforward, accessible fiction that resonates with young readers in India. Through relatable characters and familiar issues of love, education, and career struggles, Bhagat reflects contemporary urban life.
In his popular novel Five Point Someone, he blends humor and drama to explore the lives and anxieties of students navigating competitive academic pressure.
Anosh Irani crafts richly emotional narratives with a strong sense of place, frequently depicting the contrasts and contradictions of Indian society. His work confronts difficult truths about poverty, oppression, and hope.
His novel, The Song of Kahunsha, portrays a young boy struggling to survive on the harsh streets of Mumbai, revealing compassion within a challenging reality.
Amitav Ghosh writes historical fiction with vivid detail and cultural depth. He often weaves stories set across different countries, exploring colonial legacies, identity, and human connection.
In The Glass Palace, Ghosh skillfully narrates intertwined lives affected by British colonialism in Burma, India, and Malaya, offering readers broad historical perspectives alongside personal dramas.
Gregory David Roberts blends adventure, strong character development, and cultural exploration in his novels. His writing style is immersive and descriptive, pulling readers deeply into the story's setting.
In his novel Shantaram, Roberts takes readers through the bustling streets of Mumbai, introducing a protagonist fleeing from a complicated past and uncovering powerful human connections.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni creates engaging narratives that often focus on immigrant experiences, women's identities, and cultural conflicts. Her writing is heartfelt and accessible, making the emotional journeys of her characters resonate deeply.
Her novel The Mistress of Spices follows the story of a woman endowed with special abilities to heal others through spices, contributing themes of tradition, transformation, and belonging.
Shashi Tharoor is an author whose work spans a variety of genres, from insightful historical examinations to sharp social satire. He addresses political and societal issues clearly and engagingly, to connect and spark thoughtful discussion.
In his novel The Great Indian Novel, Tharoor cleverly retells the ancient Mahabharata within the context of modern Indian politics, adding wit and fresh insight.
Mohammed Hanif uses humor and sharp, satirical prose to highlight political absurdities, corruption, and social justice issues. His style is direct and engaging, creating memorable characters and intriguing plots.
In his novel A Case of Exploding Mangoes, Hanif crafts a darkly comedic storyline about Pakistan's political intrigues, providing readers with an entertaining yet thoughtful perspective on real-life events.