Books Like...

Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie is a sweeping novel that spans multiple generations and continents, starting with the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. The story follows the life of Hiroko Tanaka, a Japanese woman who moves to India after the bomb, then to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and finally to New York post-9/11. Through Hiroko's journey, the book explores themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and the impact of war on individuals and families. The writing style is described as lyrical and emotive, painting vivid pictures of historical events and personal emotions.

Set in 1947, 'The Night Diary' by Veera Hiranandani follows the story of Nisha, a young girl caught in the turmoil of the Partition of India. Nisha, who is half Muslim and half Hindu, faces the challenge of finding her identity and place in a divided country. Forced to flee their home in what is now Pakistan, Nisha's family embarks on a dangerous journey to India, leaving behind their Muslim cook and facing the harsh realities of being refugees. The story is narrated through Nisha's diary entries, providing a poignant and personal insight into the struggles of a young girl amidst political turmoil and cultural conflict.

Celestial Bodies by Jokha Alharthi is a multigenerational family saga set in a village in Oman, following the lives of three sisters and their extended family. The novel explores the evolving cultural landscape of Oman, the impact of historical events such as the abolition of slavery, and the complexities of family relationships. Through non-linear storytelling and multiple perspectives, the book delves into themes of tradition versus modernity, societal changes, and the interconnected lives of the characters.

'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh is a historical fiction novel set during the Partition of India in 1947. The story takes place in a small village called Mano Majra, where Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations. However, as the political situation escalates and the subcontinent is divided into India and Pakistan, the village is torn apart by violence, looting, and murder. The novel portrays the impact of the Partition on the villagers, the horrors they face, and the relationships that are tested during this tumultuous time. The writing style is described as masterful, emotional, and haunting, depicting the stark realities faced by the common folk amidst the chaos created by the leaders of the day.

'Against the Loveless World' by Susan Abulhawa is a powerful novel that follows the life of Nahr, a Palestinian woman who navigates through war, displacement, and personal struggles. The story delves into Nahr's experiences as a refugee, her imprisonment, her resilience, and her involvement in active resistance activities against Israeli occupation. The book is structured to explore Nahr's past through memories while she reflects on her life in a space called the Cube, providing a poignant and honest look at the Palestinian experience.

The novel is praised for its stunningly gorgeous writing, intricate plot, and engaging momentum that captivates readers intellectually, emotionally, and politically. Through the character of Nahr and the portrayal of Palestine as a central element in the story, Abulhawa skillfully weaves a narrative that sheds light on the struggles, courage, and humanity of Palestinians, offering a captivating and eye-opening exploration of the complexities of life in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy is a sprawling novel that weaves together the stories of disparate characters trying to navigate the atrocities of Kashmir's troubled history. The book delves into the lives of marginalized individuals, including hermaphrodites, transvestites, and Kashmir freedom fighters, against the backdrop of India's complex political landscape. Roy's writing style is described as vivid and poetic, capturing the essence of war, power, and human struggles in a realistic yet lyrical manner.

'The Widows of Malabar Hill' by Sujata Massey is a historical mystery set in 1920s Bombay, featuring Perveen Mistry, the first female lawyer in India. Perveen gets involved in a case where she must assist the widows of a wealthy Muslim businessman in securing their inheritances. The plot unfolds with a murder mystery, cultural complexities, and Perveen's personal backstory, providing a rich tapestry of Indian society, customs, and the challenges faced by women during that era.

The writing style in 'The Widows of Malabar Hill' is praised for its detailed descriptions of the historical setting, the characters, and the cultural nuances of colonial India. Readers appreciate the authenticity and depth of the story, as well as the engaging plot that intertwines Perveen's legal work, personal struggles, and her quest for justice for the marginalized widows living in purdah.

In a crumbling, isolated house at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas lives an embittered judge who wants only to retire in peace, when his orphaned granddaughter, Sai, arrives on his doorstep. The judge's cook watches over her distractedly, for his thoughts are often on his son, Biju, who is in New York working in one gritty restaurant after another. Kiran Desai's brilliant novel, published to huge acclaim, is a story of joy and despair. Her characters face numerous choices that majestically illuminate the consequences of colonialism as it collides with the modern world. The novel is set in a crumbling grand house in the hills below Kangchenjunga, covering poverty, wealth, and inequality in both India and the US, where the cook's son emigrates illegally to and has exploitative jobs, illustrating constant loss of dignity, love, possessions, and freedom in India.

"Mornings in Jenin" by Susan Abulhawa tells the story of a Palestinian family, the Abulhejas, spanning generations from 1948 to 2003. The narrative is centered around the protagonist, Amal, who experiences the displacement of her family from their ancestral olive farm in Ein Hod to the refugee camp in Jenin. The novel portrays the struggles, tragedies, and resilience of the family as they navigate life amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, capturing the heart-wrenching details of war, loss, and hope. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on the Palestinian perspective, providing a powerful and emotional account of the impact of conflict on individuals and families.

The writing style of "Mornings in Jenin" is described as compelling, powerful, and beautifully done. The author seamlessly weaves together historical events with personal narratives, creating a story that draws readers in and makes the Palestinian side of the conflict real and relatable. explores themes of loss, survival, forgiveness, and the human experience within the backdrop of ongoing conflict, offering a perspective that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a captivating story set in 1950s India, following the life of Lakshmi, a talented henna artist who escapes an abusive marriage to build a successful business in Jaipur. The novel delves into the complexities of Indian culture, family dynamics, and societal expectations, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in a closed and oppressive society. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, the author paints a rich picture of Lakshmi's journey, her relationships with her sister Radha, young Malik, and other essential characters, all against the backdrop of a post-independence India.