A CELEBRATION OF INDIAN WRITING

The vibrant and colourful narratives of Indian oral storytelling are the foundation upon which the literary stars of this astonishing country have developed their craft. Through the novels, myths, plays, poetry and films in India, the stories of the people and their country have dazzles readers around the world with their ferocious word-play, inventive characters and bold style. Translation makes great works accessible worldwide and creates opportunities for a broader respect and understanding. The biographies, the history, the philosophy and the spirituality complete the picture of a country that has been filled with passion, ideas and thought for thousands of years.

From early Sanskrit texts through to contemporary writing in English, India is a country dedicated to a love for and appreciation of its literary landscape. This bibliography offers a taste of some of this history and acts as a guide through a diverse and rich world.

Inevitably book lists are subjective and this is just as sample of some of the very best available. The list attempts to offer a smattering of the great and a dash of the good. Readers will hopefully move on to discovering the best of the rest, inspired by some of the titles mentioned here.

This booklist aims to create a dialogue between two cultures and widen access to Indian books in English, and is an opportunity to engage with writers who readers may previously not have found themselves drawn towards, or possibly not even found at all. Through this list of enjoyable and approachable books, available in a reasonable delivery time in the UK, it is hoped readers will develop a broader understanding, appreciation and respect for Indian writing.  

Catriona Ferguson

 Please click here for the full booklist.