Mo Yan from China. His work 'Red Sorghum' is notable. It tells the story of a family in rural China against the backdrop of war and social upheaval. Mo Yan's vivid descriptions of the landscape and the people bring the story to life, and it also delves into themes of family honor, love, and survival.
Rohinton Mistry from India. His book 'A Fine Balance' is a great work. It shows the lives of four characters in India during a time of political unrest. Mistry weaves a complex tale that touches on themes of poverty, caste, and the struggle for a better life. It's a long but engaging read that gives a deep insight into Indian society.
Kazuo Ishiguro. His novel 'Never Let Me Go' is a thought - provoking read. It's set in a dystopian England where clones are raised for organ donation. Ishiguro, who is of Japanese origin, creates a story that makes you question humanity, identity, and the ethics of certain scientific practices.
One must-read is 'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan. It beautifully explores the mother-daughter relationships and cultural clashes within an Asian American context.
One of the best Asian novels is 'The Tale of Genji' from Japan. It was written by Murasaki Shikibu. It's considered a classic as it gives deep insights into the Heian period's court life, with complex characters and beautiful prose.
You should check out 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a captivating and thought-provoking read. The way it explores history and humanity is really remarkable.
One must-read is 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth. It's a rich and complex tale that gives a deep insight into Indian society.
For beginners, 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a great start. It's about a Bengali - American family and their son Gogol. It shows how the son struggles with his name, which is a symbol of his cultural heritage, and his attempts to fit into American society while still being connected to his roots.
One of the must-reads was 'The Golden House' by Salman Rushdie. It offered a rich and complex narrative.
Salman Rushdie's 'Midnight's Children' is essential. It's a magical realist take on India's transition from colonial rule to independence. The story follows Saleem Sinai, who was born at the exact moment of India's independence, and through his life, we experience the chaos, change, and rich tapestry of India during that time.
One must - read is 'El Filibusterismo' by Jose Rizal. It's a sequel to 'Noli Me Tangere' and further criticizes the Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines. It shows the growing discontent among the Filipinos and their struggle for change.
You should definitely check out 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It gives a fresh perspective on the epic Mahabharata from the point of view of a woman. The writing is captivating and the story is full of emotion.
Some of the best Asian light novels include 'The Rising of the Shield Hero'. It tells the story of a young man who is summoned to another world as the Shield Hero but is initially ostracized. The novel explores themes of betrayal and redemption. 'Date A Live' is another interesting one. It involves a boy who has to go on dates with spirit girls to prevent them from causing destruction. 'KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!' is a humorous light novel. The main character is a useless NEET who is transported to a fantasy world and his misadventures with his party members are both hilarious and engaging.