Some popular Indian novels include 'The Guide' by R.K. Narayan. This novel tells the story of a tour guide named Raju and his journey through different phases of life. 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh is also very popular. It shows the harrowing experiences during the partition of India. And 'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga, which gives a unique perspective on India's class divide from the point of view of a poor man trying to make his way in the world.
One famous Indian author is Rabindranath Tagore. His novel 'Gora' is quite well - known. It explores themes of identity, nationalism, and cultural clashes in India during the colonial era.
Many Indian novels are rich in cultural details. They often depict the complex caste system, family values, and religious beliefs. For instance, in 'The God of Small Things', the caste system affects the characters' lives deeply. Also, Indian novels can be very diverse in terms of themes, from love stories like in 'A Suitable Boy' to critiques of society as in 'The White Tiger'.
One of the best - selling Indian English novels is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully weaves together themes of love, caste, and family in a small - town Kerala setting. The prose is lyrical and it won the Booker Prize, which contributed to its wide acclaim and high sales.
They usually have a strong sense of place. Like novels set in the ancient forts of Rajasthan might use the dark corridors and hidden chambers of the forts to build horror. The settings play a big role in creating the spooky atmosphere.
The language used in these novels can be very descriptive and evocative. Indian writers often use local dialects and idioms to add authenticity to their stories. This makes the novels not only a great read for understanding the stories but also for getting a feel of the diverse Indian languages and cultures.
One characteristic is that they tend to be very emotional. They can make you laugh, cry, and feel a whole range of emotions. Take 'The Palace of Illusions' for instance. Draupadi's story is full of love, jealousy, and heartbreak. Also, Indian romance novels often incorporate elements of Indian mythology or history. This gives them a unique flavor. In 'The Immortals of Meluha', the story is based on a fictionalized version of ancient India's mythology. The romances are deeply intertwined with the characters' destinies and the larger story of the society or the world they live in. There is also a sense of community in these novels, as the characters' relationships are not just isolated love stories but are part of a bigger social fabric.
Many of the novels in this list often blend cultural elements. For example, in 'The Palace of Illusions', the cultural norms and values of ancient India play a big role in shaping the relationships and the story. Love is not just about personal feelings but is also influenced by the society and its expectations.
Many of them often have a strong sense of place. For example, they vividly describe the Indian landscapes, cities, and villages as they were in different historical periods.
Rabindranath Tagore is a very famous Indian author. His 'Gitanjali' is a collection of poems that also contains some prose passages. It has spiritual and philosophical themes. Another popular one is Chetan Bhagat. His 'Five Point Someone' is a novel that is relatable to many young Indians as it deals with the pressures of the Indian education system and college life.