best indian novel to read

For beginners, 'The Guide' by R.K. Narayan is a great start. It's a simple yet profound story set in a small South Indian town. The characters are relatable, and Narayan's writing style is easy to follow, which makes it accessible for those new to Indian literature.

One of the best Indian novels is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully portrays the complex relationships within a family in Kerala. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It weaves a magical story around the children born at the stroke of India's independence. 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is also a classic, which gives a detailed look into post - independence India's society through the story of finding a suitable boy for a girl in a family.

You might also enjoy 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth. It's a long and immersive read that gives a detailed picture of post - independence India. The story focuses on the search for a suitable boy for a young woman, but in the process, it showcases the diverse cultures, traditions, and values of the country.

The novel 'The Association of Small Bombs' by Karan Mahajan is also a notable one from 2015. It delves deep into the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Delhi and how it affects the lives of different characters. It gives a profound look at the human psyche in the face of such tragedies. There are complex characters and the writing is both poignant and thought - provoking.

There are many excellent books for Indian stories. 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie is a famous one. It tells the story of India's transition to independence through the lives of those born at midnight on the day of independence. 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh gives a heart - rending account of the partition of India. And don't forget 'The Jungle Book' by Rudyard Kipling, which, although written by a British author, is set in India and contains many Indian - inspired stories.

I would recommend 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri. It's a story about an Indian - American family, but it has a lot of flashbacks to India. It gives a great perspective on the immigrant experience and also showcases different parts of India through the characters' memories. You can feel the pull of the homeland and the differences between the two cultures.

One of the best must - read Indian novels is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully explores themes of love, caste, and family in Kerala. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It tells the story of India's transition to independence through the lives of those born at midnight on the day of independence. And 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is also highly recommended. It's a long, detailed story about family, love, and society in post - independence India.

The Panchatantra stories are great. They are a collection of fables that teach moral lessons. Another good one is the Jataka Tales which are related to the previous lives of the Buddha. These stories are full of wisdom and interesting characters.

For Indian teenage novels, 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is really good. It retells the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective, which is both unique and fascinating. 'Shadow Lines' by Amitav Ghosh is also worth reading. It explores the idea of borders, both physical and mental, in the context of India and its neighbours. Then there's 'The Serpent's Revenge' by Ashok K. Banker, which is part of a series based on the Ramayana and can be a great entry into Indian mythology for teens.