Books Like...
"Heat and Dust" by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala follows the lives of two women in different time periods in India. Olivia, an English colonialist in the 1920s, falls in love with a local prince, while her step granddaughter follows her footsteps in the 1970s to uncover her story. The narrative alternates between the past and present, exploring the intertwined destinies of these two women and their experiences in India, capturing the essence of colonial and independent India through vivid descriptions of the setting and climate.
If you liked Heat and Dust, here are the top 21 books to read next:
- #1
'How Late It Was, How Late' by James Kelman is a novel that follows the story of Sammy, an ex-convict who wakes up blind after a drunken binge and a confrontation with the police. The book is written in a stream of consciousness style, narrated in a Glaswegian vernacular, with an extraordinary amount of swearing. Sammy navigates through Glasgow, facing challenges with bureaucracy, law enforcement, and his own personal struggles, all while coming to terms with his new disability.
The novel delves into Sammy's internal monologue, showcasing his defiance, resilience, and vulnerability as he tries to cope with his blindness, loss of memory, and the complexities of his relationships. Kelman captures the essence of Sammy's character, portraying him as a determined, relatable, and complex individual facing adversity in a harsh and unforgiving world.
YE WAKE IN a corner and stay there hoping yer body will disappear, the thoughts smothering ye; these thoughts; but ye want to remember and face up to things, just something keeps ye from doing it, why... - #2
'The Jewel in the Crown' by Paul Scott delves into the complex social, political, and cultural landscape of India during the dying days of British rule in 1942. The narrative revolves around the gang rape of an English girl, Daphne Manners, by a group of Indian men, intertwining personal relationships, political turmoil, and societal tensions. Through a mix of diary entries, letters, reports, and various narrative styles, the author creates a vivid portrayal of the era and the events leading up to and following the heinous crime.
The writing style of 'The Jewel in the Crown' is described as multi-layered, intricate, and evocative. Paul Scott employs different storytelling techniques such as first-person accounts, third-person narratives, letters, and journal entries to provide a comprehensive view of the fictional city of Mayapore, representing a microcosm of India as a whole. intricately weaves together personal stories with political events, creating a rich tapestry that captures the essence of the time period.
Imagine, then, a flat landscape, dark for the moment, but even so conveying to a girl running in the still deeper shadow cast by the wall of the Bibighar Gardens an idea of immensity, of distance, suc... - #3
E.M. Forster's 'A Passage to India' is a novel set in British India during the early 20th century, exploring the interactions and tensions between the British colonizers and the Indian inhabitants. The plot revolves around a fateful excursion to the Marabar Caves, where an accusation of molestation leads to a courtroom drama, highlighting the hypocrisy and misunderstandings prevalent in the British Raj. Through the characters of Dr. Aziz, Adela Quested, and Cyril Fielding, Forster delves into themes of race, colonialism, cultural clashes, and the complexities of human relationships in a time of political upheaval.
EXCEPT for the Marabar Caves—and they are twenty miles off—the city of Chandrapore presents nothing extraordinary. Edged rather than washed by the river Ganges, it trails for a couple of miles along t... - #4
"Moon Tiger" by Penelope Lively is a novel that revolves around the life of Claudia Hampton, an elderly woman reflecting on her past experiences as she lays dying in a hospital. The narrative weaves through Claudia's memories of her relationships with her family, lovers, and friends, capturing pivotal moments from different periods of the 20th century. The story is presented in a non-linear structure, combining first-person narration, omniscient perspective, and tight third-person point of view to create a multi-dimensional portrayal of Claudia's life.
The novel delves into Claudia's complex relationships, particularly highlighting her intense bond with her brother Gordon, her tragic love affair with Tom during WWII, and her strained relationship with her daughter Lisa. Through vivid and evocative storytelling, the book explores themes of love, loss, memory, and the spiraling nature of history, symbolized by the moon tiger mosquito repellent coil. Penelope Lively's unique writing style and the way she presents the same events from multiple perspectives add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling exploration of one woman's journey through life.
‘I’m writing a history of the world,’ she says. And the hands of the nurse are arrested for a moment; she looks down at this old woman, this old ill woman. ‘Well, my goodness,’ the nurse says. ‘That’s... Shashi Tharoor's 'Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India' provides an expansive and detailed account of how India was plundered and impoverished by British rule. Tharoor highlights the destruction of India's thriving economy, the exploitation of Indian resources, and the devastating impact of British imperialism on Indian society. Through historical facts and narratives, the book debunks myths of benevolent British rule and exposes the true nature of colonialism in India, shedding light on the atrocities committed by the British Empire.
Tharoor's writing style is engaging and informative, offering a wealth of research and depth on the subject of British imperialism in India. The book presents a critical analysis of British colonial looting, discrimination, and exploitation, while also emphasizing the resilience and resistance of the Indian people against oppressive colonial forces. With a focus on historical evidence and detailed accounts, 'Inglorious Empire' challenges readers to confront the dark realities of colonial rule and its lasting impact on India.
1613–14 British East India Company sets up a factory in Masulipatnam and a trading post at Surat under William Hawkins. Sir Thomas Roe presents his credentials as ambassador of King James I to the Mug...- #6
'Sea of Poppies' by Amitav Ghosh is a historical fiction novel set in the 19th century, revolving around a diverse cast of characters whose lives intertwine aboard a ship called the Ibis. The story explores themes of adventure, opium trade, cultural diversity, and the impact of historical events such as the Opium Wars, all depicted through a richly detailed narrative with complex characters and intricate plotlines.
The vision of a tall-masted ship, at sail on the ocean, came to Deeti on an otherwise ordinary day, but she knew instantly that the apparition was a sign of destiny, for she had never seen such a vess... - #7
'Schindler's List' by Thomas Keneally is a gripping and haunting novel that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who risked his life to save over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. The book portrays Schindler's transformation from a selfish businessman to a selfless hero, showcasing moments of extreme heroism and courage juxtaposed with the depths of human cruelty.
The writing style of 'Schindler's List' is described as dispassionate yet able to convey the brutality and horror of the Holocaust era. The narrative weaves together short stories to provide a weight of detailed testimony, creating a sombre and nuanced portrait of Oskar Schindler that does not shy away from his less heroic qualities.
GENERAL SIGMUND LIST’S armored divisions, driving north from the Sudetenland, had taken the sweet south Polish jewel of Cracow from both flanks on September 6, 1939. And it was in their wake that Oska... - #8
Kim by Rudyard Kipling is a tale set in colonial India, following the adventures of an orphaned boy named Kimball O'Hara, known as Kim, who grows up on the streets. The story revolves around Kim's journey of self-discovery and espionage as he navigates the diverse cultural landscape of India, encountering various characters and getting involved in international intrigue. Kipling's writing style is noted for its vivid descriptions of India, rich character development, and a blend of adventure, mystery, and spirituality.
He sat, in defiance of municipal orders, astride the gun Zam-Zammah on her brick platform opposite the old Ajaib-Gher – the Wonder House, as the natives call the Lahore Museum. Who hold Zam-Zammah, th... - #9
'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga is a modern and eye-opening novel that delves into the harsh realities of Indian society. The story is narrated by Balram Halwai, a former servant turned entrepreneur, who writes a series of letters to the Premier of China detailing his rise from poverty to wealth through acts of violence and corruption. The book provides a satirical and candid look at the deep-rooted issues of poverty, corruption, and social injustice in India, while also exploring themes of power struggles, oppression, and the impact of globalization on the caste system.
Adiga's writing style in 'The White Tiger' is raw, honest, and darkly humorous, capturing the complexities of Balram's character and the stark realities of Indian society. The narrative unfolds through Balram's distinctive voice, portraying a vivid picture of a country grappling with economic growth, inequality, and moral decay. The book weaves together elements of satire, social commentary, and personal reflection to offer a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by individuals striving for success in a corrupt and oppressive system.
My ex-employer the late Mr. Ashok’s ex-wife, Pinky Madam, taught me one of these things; and at 11:32 p.m. today, which was about ten minutes ago, when the lady on All India Radio announced, “Premier ... - #10
'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.
Perveen had come upon him half-hidden in the portico entrance to Mistry House. The unshaven, middle-aged man appeared as if he’d slept for several days and nights in his broadcloth shirt and the grimy...