6 Best Books by South Asian Authors to Diversify your Library
With its rich history and diverse cultural traditions, South Asia is a fascinating region that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. From the colorful festivals of India to the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka and the Maldives, South Asia is a place of wonder and intrigue. However, beyond the vibrant colors and exotic sights, the region is also home to many social and political issues that deserve attention. This is where South Asian authors shine, using their craft to shed light on these important topics and provide a platform for underrepresented voices.
In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of the best books by South Asian authors, each one a unique and powerful glimpse into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the South Asian diaspora. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported into a world of family values, rich cultural traditions, and the complex realities of life in South Asia.
1. Significance of South Asian Literature
From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the tranquil tea plantations of Sri Lanka, South Asia is a region steeped in rich culture, history, and diversity. South Asian literature serves as a gateway into this vibrant world, offering readers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of the people who call it home. It is through the pages of South Asian literature that we can explore the complexities of social issues such as casteism, gender inequality, and religious conflict, gaining a greater understanding and appreciation for the nuances of these topics. Furthermore, South Asian literature has produced many celebrated writers and works that have taken the literary world by storm, enriching our understanding of the world and leaving a lasting impact on readers everywhere.
2. List of the Best Books by South Asia Authors in 2023
1. The Henna Artist
Author: Alka Joshi
About the author:
Alka Joshi is a bestselling author in India who has contributed some of the best books by South Asian authors. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Joshi worked as a marketing professional in the healthcare industry for over 25 years. Her debut novel, The Henna Artist, became an instant hit and was on the New York Times Bestseller list for several weeks. Joshi’s writing is deeply influenced by her Indian heritage and the traditions and culture of her ancestors.
About the book:
This captivating novel set in post-Independence India, follows the story of a young, talented henna artist who escapes from an abusive marriage to make a name for herself in the city of Jaipur. Her reputation as a skilled henna artist reaches the palace doors, where she is hired to provide services to the royal family. However, her past catches up with her and she is forced to confront the consequences of the choices she made.
What makes the book special:
This book is ranked as one of the best books from South Asians and if you like historical biopics and love to time travel through books, then don’t miss out on this masterpiece. Step into the enchanting world of India with Alka Joshi’s The Henna Artist – a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the struggles of women in India.
2. A Place for Us
Author: Fatima Farheen Mirza
About the author:
Fatima Farheen Mirza is an American writer of Indian and Pakistani origin. Her debut novel, A Place for Us, explores the immigrant experience and the complexities of family relationships. Mirza’s writing is influenced by her cultural heritage and growing up as a Muslim in the United States.
About the book:
A Place for Us is a deeply moving novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the challenges of reconciling traditional values with modern-day aspirations. It is ranked as one of the best books by South Asian writers. The story revolves around an Indian Muslim family living in California and follows their journey through the eyes of the different family members. The novel delves into themes such as identity, love, loss, and forgiveness, and offers a poignant reflection on the meaning of family.
What makes the book special:
Mirza’s writing is lyrical and evocative, creating complex and relatable characters that readers can connect with. The novel deals with themes that are universal and timeless, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of family relationships. A Place for Us is a masterful debut that heralds the arrival of a promising new voice in contemporary literature and is a must-read for anyone looking to delve into the complexities of the immigrant experience in America.
3. Inheritance
Author: Balli Kaur Jaswal
About the author:
Balli Kaur Jaswal is a Singaporean writer of Punjabi Sikh origin. She is the author of several books, including Inheritance, which was published in 2013. Jaswal’s writing explores the complexities of identity and the experiences of the South Asian diaspora. She has been widely praised for her bold and provocative approach to storytelling.
About the book:
Inheritance is a gripping family saga that explores the themes of tradition, identity, and secrets. The novel follows the story of a Punjabi Sikh family living in Singapore, as they grapple with the sudden death of their patriarch. As the family members come together to mourn and rebuild, they uncover hidden truths and long-held secrets that threaten to tear them apart.
What makes the book special:
This award-winning book is surely one of the best books by south Asians which deals with issues that are universal and relevant to anyone grappling with questions of identity, belonging, and the meaning of family. Inheritance is a bold and provocative work that is not to be missed.
4. Untold: Defining Moments of the Uprooted
Author: Gabrielle Deonath, Kamini Ramdeen
About the author:
Gabrielle Deonath and Kamini Ramdeen are the editors of Untold: Defining Moments of the Uprooted. Deonath is a journalist and writer, while Ramdeen is a community organizer and social justice advocate. Both women are of South Asian descent and have a deep understanding of the experiences of displacement and the complexities of identity that arise from it.
About the book:
Defining Moments of the Uprooted is one of the best books from South Asians, featuring a collection of essays, memoirs, and interviews that explore the experiences of South Asian diaspora communities across the globe. The book offers a unique and diverse perspective on displacement, highlighting the experiences of those who have been uprooted from their homes and forced to navigate the complexities of identity and belonging in new environments. From the partition of India and Pakistan to the present day, the book examines the impact of displacement on individuals and communities and the ways in which they have managed to find resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
What makes the book special:
Defining Moments of the Uprooted is a powerful and moving collection that offers a rare insight into the experiences of displacement and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the experiences of the South Asian diaspora and the challenges of navigating multiple identities in an ever-changing world.
5. No Honor
Author: Awais Khan
About the author:
Awais Khan is a Pakistani-born author who has lived in the UK, Pakistan, UAE, and the US. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has worked as a creative writing teacher, screenwriter, and freelance journalist. No Honour is his debut novel, which has received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of honor killing and the complexities of family dynamics.
About the book:
No Honour is a heart-wrenching story of a young woman, Amal, who dreams of escaping the confines of her traditional family and pursuing her education and career. However, her dreams are shattered when she falls in love with her childhood friend, Shehzad. The relationship is forbidden by her family, who insist on arranging her marriage to a wealthy businessman. When Shehzad is brutally murdered, Amal becomes the prime suspect, and her family’s honor is at stake. The book is a gripping and emotional tale of love, loss, and the clash between tradition and modernity.
What makes the book special:
The book is a sensitive and nuanced exploration of the cultural and social pressures that young women face in conservative societies and the devastating consequences of defying cultural norms. The book’s poignant and powerful message about the importance of love and freedom of choice makes it a must-read for anyone interested in human rights and social justice issues.
6. Kololo Hill
Author: Neema Shah
About the author:
Neema Shah is a Kenyan-born British writer of South Asian descent. Her debut novel “Kololo Hill” was published in 2020 and explores the themes of identity, belonging, and displacement.
About the book:
Ranked as one of the best books by South Asian authors, “Kololo Hill” is set in Uganda during the 1970s when Idi Amin’s regime was in power. The novel follows the story of a family of Indian immigrants who are caught up in the political turmoil and violence of the time. The family’s struggle to survive and protect their loved ones is at the heart of the story.
What makes the book special:
“Kololo Hill” is a gripping and emotional novel that explores the complex relationships between family members, as well as the impact of political upheaval on ordinary people. Shah’s writing is vivid and evocative, bringing the setting of Uganda to life and immersing the reader in the story. The novel also raises important questions about identity and the search for a sense of belonging, making it a thought-provoking and impactful read.
FAQs
1. What are some must-read books from South Asian authors?
Midnight’s Children” by Salman Rushdie and “The Henna Artist” by Alka Joshi are must-read books by South Asian authors.
2. What are some contemporary South Asian books that I should read?
“On the Outside Looking India” and “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga are contemporary South Asian books that should be read.
3. Who are the most famous South Asian authors?
Famous South Asian authors include Arundhati Roy, Salman Rushdie, and Jhumpa Lahiri.
4. What are some award-winning books from South Asian authors?
Award-winning books from South Asian authors include “The Inheritance of Loss” by Kiran Desai and “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga.
5. What are some South Asian books that deal with identity and culture?
Books dealing with identity and culture in South Asia include “On the Outside Looking India” by Rupinder Gill and “The Inheritance of Loss” by Kiran Desai.
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