good reads

nisa764 · Sep 2nd, 2009, 02:20

I'm looking for something to read that might give good detail as to what life and culture is like in India. I will be the first to admit I know very little, and the next best thing to experiencing it is finding a good enough read that feels as if the book has transported you there. I like to read all sorts of different things so whatever people can think of just pass on the suggestion.

Nick-H · Sep 2nd, 2009, 03:58

A Suitable Boy would be good. It may not be set in the present day, but a lot of it is still very current, and it is a wonderful (and very long) book.

If you meant fiction, that is.

mitzijanell · Sep 2nd, 2009, 04:48

I recommend A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. Also, not set in present-day, but an excellent read. fiction

In Spite of the Gods by Edward Luce. non-fiction. An affectionate critique of India written by a Financial Times correspondent who lived here 24 years and married an Indian woman.

Anne F Gorrissen · Sep 2nd, 2009, 05:54

Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things.

bigjed · Sep 2nd, 2009, 06:00

I've been readin Naipaul's A Million Mutinees Now. Also William Dalrymple's worth a read - especially City of Dijins. Also check out his website for a sample of his new book out in October. williamdalrymple.com

Keith H · Sep 2nd, 2009, 06:03

'A Strange and Sublime Address' by Amit Chaudhuri; a gentle book of everyday life in Calcutta. Beautifully written and almost poetic.

nisa764 · Sep 2nd, 2009, 22:39

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I will defenetly look into these.

Sep 2nd, 2009, 02:20	#1
nisa764 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 8	good reads I'm looking for something to read that might give good detail as to what life and culture is like in India. I will be the first to admit I know very little, and the next best thing to experiencing it is finding a good enough read that feels as if the book has transported you there. I like to read all sorts of different things so whatever people can think of just pass on the suggestion.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Chandigarh 25-26 april : Any good human likes to meet for a good hang out	friendsforhumanity	Punjab & Haryana	0	Apr 18th, 2009 04:36
need a good start camp - good cheap hotel in town?	mysterymike	Bangalore	5	Jan 13th, 2009 05:34
Travel Reads: CONTINENTAL DRIFTER by Tim Moore	ami	Books, Music, and Movies	0	Jan 10th, 2005 19:48
India and Pakistan: Good Fences Make Good Neighbors	bijapuri	India Travel News and Commentary	8	Jul 5th, 2004 15:14

Sep 2nd, 2009, 03:58	#2
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,225	A Suitable Boy would be good. It may not be set in the present day, but a lot of it is still very current, and it is a wonderful (and very long) book. If you meant fiction, that is.

Sep 2nd, 2009, 04:48	#3
mitzijanell Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Calcutta Posts: 107	I recommend A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. Also, not set in present-day, but an excellent read. fiction In Spite of the Gods by Edward Luce. non-fiction. An affectionate critique of India written by a Financial Times correspondent who lived here 24 years and married an Indian woman.

Sep 2nd, 2009, 05:54	#4
Anne F Gorrissen Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New York City Posts: 28	Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things.

Sep 2nd, 2009, 06:00	#5
bigjed Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Burkina Faso Posts: 134	I've been readin Naipaul's A Million Mutinees Now. Also William Dalrymple's worth a read - especially City of Dijins. Also check out his website for a sample of his new book out in October. williamdalrymple.com

Sep 2nd, 2009, 06:03	#6
Keith H Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 73	'A Strange and Sublime Address' by Amit Chaudhuri; a gentle book of everyday life in Calcutta. Beautifully written and almost poetic.

Sep 2nd, 2009, 22:39	#7
nisa764 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 8	Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I will defenetly look into these.