Librarian's Picks!

Dear Students,

As a school librarian, I believe it's important to read books by authors from diverse backgrounds, including Indian authors. Here are five must-read books by Indian authors that I highly recommend:

1. "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy: This novel is a masterpiece of Indian literature and won the Man Booker Prize in 1997. It tells the story of twins Estha and Rahel, who grow up in a small village in Kerala. It's a haunting and poignant story that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of family relationships.

2. "The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga: This novel won the Man Booker Prize in 2008 and is a powerful commentary on India's class divide. It tells the story of Balram Halwai, a poor village boy who becomes a successful entrepreneur by any means necessary. It's a darkly humorous and thought-provoking read that will challenge your thinking about India's social and economic systems.

3. "The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni: This novel is a retelling of the Hindu epic Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandava brothers. It's a beautifully written and empowering story that explores themes of gender, power, and identity.

4. "The Inheritance of Loss" by Kiran Desai: This novel won the Man Booker Prize in 2006 and is set in the Himalayan foothills of India. It tells the story of Sai, a young girl growing up with her grandfather, a retired judge. It's a richly layered and deeply moving story that explores themes of identity, culture, and the legacy of colonialism.

5. "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri: This collection of short stories won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 and is a stunning debut from Jhumpa Lahiri. The stories explore the lives of Indian immigrants in America and the challenges they face in adapting to a new culture. It's a poignant and beautifully written collection that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

In conclusion, these five must-read books by Indian authors are sure to inspire and captivate you. They will introduce you to new perspectives on Indian culture and society, and challenge your thinking about the world around you. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I did, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts about them.

Happy reading