Have You Read Them Yet?
Been meaning to read a lot more this year but haven't found the right book yet? We've got a solution for you right here. Here is a list of some of the most sold books in India, some of which have went on to win several international accolades. Featuring 10 books, this is the perfect TBR list for you. Instead of relying on friends to give you recommendations, or grabbing the first book you see in the library, get your hands on these books that are also approved by Indian readers.
10. The Guide by R.K. Narayan
R. K. Narayan is without any doubt one of the best India writers. His tales are the perfect combination of traditional and modern India, and despite having written this book several decades ago, The Guide is still one of country's most sold books. The story is about Raju, who is a tour guide who later becomes into a spiritual guru. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for the book and in 1965, a movie was made, Guide, featuring Dev Anand as Raju.
9. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Namesake was Jhumpa Lahiri's first novel and the story of Gogol and before him, his parents who are caught up in the battle of staying true to Indian traditions but also embracing American values, caught the fancy of Indian readers. Featuring at number nine on the most sold list, the novel was also turned into a movie by the same name, directed by Mira Nair starring Irrfan Khan and Tabu.
8. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Set in an unidentified city in India, the book covers the turmoil during The Emergency and tells the story of four characters, Dina Dalal, Ishvar Darji, his nephew Omprakash Darji and Maneck Kohlah, who is a young student. The book won the Giller Prize in 1995 and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. A stage adaptation of the novel was also produced at the Hampstead Theatre in London. Rohinton is an Indian-born Canadian writer, and his brother is playwright and author, Cyrus Mistry.
7. The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh
Amitav Ghosh won the Sahitya Akademi award for his book that is set against the backdrop of historical events like the Swadeshi movement, the Second World War, the Partition of India and the communal riots of 1963-64 in Dhaka and Calcutta. The protagonist is a young boy who grew up in Calcutta, was educated in Delhi and he moved to London.
6. Train To Pakistan by Khushwant Singh
Set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan, the fictional story takes place in a village of Sikhs and Muslims and manages to give a perspective of the turmoil that people faced and the politics that went down during this time.
5. The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga
This was Arvind's debut novel, which also won him the Man Booker prize of 2008. The story, as told through a narration by Balram Halwai, a village boy, provides a darkly humorous perspective of India's class struggle in the modern world. The novel also found a place in the New York Times bestseller list.
4. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
Another novel loosely based on the India and Pakistan partition, the book deals with India's transition from British colonialism to an independent nation. This book won the Booker Prize and was also added to the list of Great Books of the 20th Century list published by Penguin Books.
3. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Arundhati's debut narrates the story of fraternal twins, Rahel and Esthappen and how their lives are affected by our society's fixation on "Love Laws" that dictate who we should love! The book won her the Booker Prize but also drew a lot of criticism from Indian readers.
2. Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat
We doubt if there is anyone in India who hasn't read, or heard of Chetan Bhagat's first novel, Five Point Someone. The book narrates the story of three IIT Bombay engineering students and their college years. The book was later turned into a movie, Three Idiots.
1. Shiva Triology by Amish Tripathi
Despite Chetan Bhagat's popularity with Indian readers it is Amish Tripathi who takes the top spot with his Shiva Trilogy. Immortals of Meluha, Secret Of Nagas and Oath Of Vayuputras, all sold more than 2.5 million copies.