South Asian Book Recommendations
Chosen by our very own Cosy Desi Club community, here is a list of books or poetry by and for South Asians that you should definitely add to your TBR list.
We’re always always looking for more recommendations, so feel free to send them through and we’ll add them in! Keep checking back for frequent updates to the list.
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Sethi
Set in post-partition India, A Suitable Boy covers the story of several families, combined with a mother’s attempts to find a suitable man for our main protagonist, Lata, to marry. This page turner explores themes across religion and colourism, to politics and familial relations with intricate detail.
Honor by Thrity Umrigar
Umrigar tells a story of a journalist travelling back to India to cover the tragic event of an interfaith couple attacked in their home. Long-held traditions and sacrifice unravel themselves and the novel explores the nuances between two women navigating familiar but different worlds and identities.
The Family Tree by Sairish Hussian
Set in West Yorkshire, The Family Tree follows the lives of a British Muslim family across 24 years, and is a refreshing book devoid of archetypal stereotypes that instead delves into the highs and lows of a family falling apart and coming together again.
The Boy with Fire by Aparna Verma
Verma’s debut is a desi-inspired fantasy novel intertwined with Indian mythology following three characters navigating a world at the brink of war. The Boy with Fire is filled with strong characters, difficult choices, and political intrigue. (Bonus: there’s also an enemy to lovers plot.)
Hobson-Jobson The Definitive Glossary of British India by Henry Yule and A. C. Burnell
For the linguistic fans among us, Hobson-Jobson documents words that have entered the English language via Arabic, Persian, Indian, and Chinese influences (and vice versa). Compiled in 1886 this dictionary offers Victorian insight into India’s people and customs, with anecdotes, illustrations and puns. A delightful read that has inspired classical authors far and wide is definitely one for the bookshelf.
The Lady or the Lion by Aamina Qureshi
Qureshi’s debut novel is a story of forbidden love and turbulent politics set in a Pakistani-inspired fantasy world. Delve into a world at the edge of war, secret lovers and a strong-minded princess.
We’re Here Because You Were There: Immigration and the End of Empire by Ian Sanjay Patel
We’re Here Because You Were There looks into the hostile British environment for immigrants towards the end of the British Empire. The book offers an insight into the post-war immigration and Britain’s failure to create a post-imperial national identity.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
Sitting in a Lahori café with an unnamed American stranger, Changez begins to tell the story of his life in America as a Princeton-educated Pakistani working at a prestigious New York firm. The story explores Changez’s identity, pre and post-9/11, and an embroilment that calls him back home.
Sofia Khan is Not Obliged by Ayisha Malik
A witty and romantic story about a woman who, whilst writing a book about the world of dating, takes it upon herself to do some well-needed research. The novel explores the very real, and often funny, trials of navigating the dating world as a British Muslim woman.
If They Come For Us by Fatimah Asghar
Asghar’s debut poetry collection explores the Pakistani American identity across themes of the Partition, intergenerational pain and healing, girlhood, and sexuality. If They Come for Us is a gut-wrenching and relatable must-read for the South Asian diaspora.
Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose
Set in a small Irish village full of well-to-do families, this domestic thriller explores the truth behind the polished facades of the respected women in the community, and a dark turn of events that threatens to reveal all.
Burning My Roti: Breaking Barriers as a Queer Indian Woman by Sharan Dhaliwal
Written as both a memoir and guide for South Asian women, Dhaliwal dives into the taboo topics of sexual identity, mental health, and ever-present beauty standards with advice and anecdotes of her own personal journey.
The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi
Kureishi tells the story of Karim, a young mixed-raced teenager living in 70’s London who is desperate to escape his South London suburbs and dream up a new life of experiences in the Big Smoke. The Buddha of Suburbia is a provocative coming-of-age novel that transcends generations.