How can one identify the best lines from Indian novels?

Look for lines that are highly evocative. For example, if a line makes you immediately picture a vivid scene or feeling, it's likely a great line. In Ballard's work, lines that describe his dystopian landscapes in a very detailed and immersive way are often among the best.

One way is to look for lines that are repeated or alluded to throughout the novel. For example, in '1984' by George Orwell, 'Big Brother is watching you' is a line that is constantly present and represents the overarching theme of surveillance and totalitarian control. It's a line that sticks in your mind and sums up an important aspect of the story.

One way is to look at the awards they've received. For example, if a novel has won major literary awards like the Booker Prize (as 'Midnight's Children' did), it's likely to be among the best. Also, consider the themes they explore. If they deeply engage with postcolonial issues like cultural identity, the after - effects of colonial rule, and the transformation of society, it's a good sign. Reviews by respected literary critics can also point you towards the best ones.

You can start by looking at the most quoted lines. For example, if a line has been repeated in other movies, TV shows, or in general conversations, it's likely a great line. 'Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield are eating breakfast' is a line that starts a great scene and is often quoted when people talk about the movie's structure.

In 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie, 'To be born at all...is to be born into a world of marvels.' This line encapsulates the sense of wonder and the extraordinary nature of existence within the context of the novel. It sets the tone for the exploration of the protagonist's life which is intertwined with the fate of the nation. The story unfolds with a sense of magic and history combined, and this line is like a key opening the door to that world.

We can also identify them by their ability to convey a complex idea simply. For instance, 'Time is not a straight line, but a twisted web of possibilities' is a great line as it quickly and clearly presents the complex concept of time in speculative fiction. It makes the reader think about the nature of time in a different way, which is a key aspect of good speculative writing.

You can start by looking at the setting. If it's clearly in an Indian context, with mentions of Indian places, it's a clue. Also, check for the use of Indian words or phrases in the English text. The themes often revolve around Indian society, like caste or family relations. So, if you see these in a novel written in English, it might be an Indian English novel.

One way is to look for lines that are repeated or alluded to throughout the novel. For example, in '1984', the line 'Big Brother is watching you' is repeated often and is a key to understanding the overarching theme of a totalitarian society. Another way is to find lines that evoke strong emotions. In 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield's lines about his disillusionment with the adult world really hit home.

Reviews and critical acclaim play a huge role. If well - respected literary critics consistently praise a European novel, it's a good sign. For instance, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco received a great deal of critical attention for its complex plot, rich historical setting, and deep exploration of themes like knowledge and power.

You can identify the best plotted novels by the way the author builds suspense. In 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier, the mystery surrounding the first Mrs. de Winter keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the book. Also, the development of characters in relation to the plot is important. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', as Dorian's character deteriorates due to his immoral actions, the plot thickens and becomes more complex. The ability of the plot to hold your attention from beginning to end is a key indicator as well.