9 Must-Read Contemporary Fiction Books Set in India
From family dramas to thrilling takes, this list has something for every reader looking for a literary adventure.
Contemporary Books Set in India To Add To Your Reading List
There’s something truly engaging about novels that take us to different worlds, letting us see life through characters from various backgrounds. The good news is that literary and contemporary fiction books set in India offer such experiences! These books draw readers into the unique and intricate fabric of Indian culture, landscapes, and history. So whether you’re an avid reader or just starting to get back into reading again, these literary and contemporary fiction books set in India will introduce you to some standout stories and voices you won’t soon forget.
Understanding the Genres
Contemporary fiction deals with narratives set in the present day, focusing on modern themes and issues. Literary fiction emphasizes style, depth, and character development, often diving into profound human experiences. When these genres come together in, they create powerful, thought-provoking stories that stay with readers. These books not only entertain but also encourage reflection, offering insights into life and experiences in India. So in these literary and contemporary fiction books set in India, you’ll find a wide range of stories that explore identity, relationships, history, and social issues – all from unique Indian perspectives.
9 Books Set in India
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
The Bandit Queens follows Geeta, a woman in a remote Indian village whose rumored status as a widow—after her husband walked out on her—grants her unexpected freedom and respect. Other women, eager to escape their own marriages, seek her supposed expertise in “husband disposal,” placing Geeta in precarious situations. This gripping novel combines sharp wit, humor, and a vivid portrayal of Indian village life, making it a standout in contemporary literary fiction.
You can get a copy of The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff on Amazon or Bookshop.
Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor
Age of Vice begins with a dramatic car crash in New Delhi, killing five people. The plot follows three intertwined lives: Ajay, a servant who ascends the ranks of the Wadia family; Sunny, the ambitious playboy heir; and Neda, a journalist torn between morality and desire. Set against a backdrop of wealth, corruption, and violence, the story explores the dark drama and consequences of their actions. This novel is a gripping blend of crime thriller and family saga, offering a vivid portrayal of contemporary India and showcasing the complexities of human ambition and morality.
You can get a copy of Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor on Amazon or Bookshop.
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Honor by Thrity Umrigar
Honor is a riveting novel that explores the dangerous and heartbreaking challenges of love across cultural divides. Indian American journalist Smita reluctantly returns to India to cover the story of Meena, a Hindu woman attacked for marrying a Muslim man. As Smita delves into Meena’s plight, she confronts a society where tradition outweighs personal desires, and unearths painful secrets from her own past. This compelling narrative, set in India, masterfully addresses themes of love, hope, familial devotion, betrayal, and sacrifice, making it a standout in literary and contemporary fiction.
You can get a copy of Honor by Thrity Umrigar on Amazon or Bookshop.
How to Kidnap the Rich by Rahul Raina
How to Kidnap the Rich follows Ramesh Kumar, a brilliant but poor young man who makes a living by taking tests for wealthy students. When one of his clients, Rudi Saxena, tops the national entrance exams, Ramesh seizes the chance to profit from Rudi’s sudden fame. Their adventure spirals into chaos as they get kidnapped and Ramesh turns the tables on their captors, navigating a complex and vivid India. The book is praised for its engaging narrative, blending caper, social satire, and love story, showcasing contemporary Indian society with wit and depth.
You can get a copy of How to Kidnap the Rich by Rahul Raina on Amazon.
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
“Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line” tells the story of nine-year-old Jai, who lives in a crowded Indian city and decides to find his missing classmate using skills he learned from watching reality police shows. Along with his friends Pari and Faiz, Jai’s quest turns dark as more children disappear, forcing them to confront terrified parents, indifferent police, and rumors of soul-snatching djinns. This novel, inspired by real incidents in India, offers a moving and suspenseful glimpse into the resilience and bravery of a community facing tragedy. It’s an excellent piece of literary and contemporary fiction that captures the essence of life in metropolitan India.
You can get a copy of Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara on Amazon or Bookshop.
A Burning by Megha Majumdar
A Burning follows three unforgettable characters striving for a better life in contemporary India: Jivan, a Muslim girl accused of terrorism; PT Sir, a gym teacher leveraging right-wing politics; and Lovely, an outcast with an alibi for Jivan. This electrifying debut offers a taut, riveting narrative filled with warmth, hope, and humor, making it a standout in literary and contemporary fiction.
You can get a copy of A Burning by Megha Majumdar on Amazon or Bookshop.
Night Theater by Vikram Paralkar
A surgeon in rural India, fleeing scandal, faces an extraordinary challenge: bringing a dead family back to life before sunrise. This fabulist debut novel combines philosophical depth with sly humor, exploring themes of medicine, morality, and social justice. The surgeon’s journey, intertwined with that of the resurrected family, reveals profound insights into life’s miracles. Set against the backdrop of India’s healthcare struggles, Night Theater offers a gripping tale that blends social critique with magical realism, making it a standout in contemporary fiction.
You can get a copy of Night Theater by Vikram Paralkar on Amazon or Bookshop.
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
The White Tiger follows Balram Halwai, a poor villager who rises to success in Bangalore’s business world. Through a series of letters to the Chinese president, Balram narrates his journey from servant to entrepreneur, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of Indian society. This darkly comic novel is celebrated for its sharp, irreverent narrative and its insightful portrayal of modern India’s caste system, making it a standout in contemporary fiction.
You can get a copy of The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Mission House by Carys Davies
The Mission House follows Englishman Hilary Byrd as he seeks refuge in a remote hill town in India. Staying in a mission house, he finds solace in simple pleasures and develops a friendship with Priscilla, the adoptive daughter of the local Padre. As religious tensions rise, the mission house’s safety is threatened. This novel explores postcolonial themes and the complexities of faith, making it a deeply human and tenderly subversive story. It’s a compelling read for those interested in contemporary fiction set in India.
You can get a copy of The Mission House by Carys Davies on Amazon or Bookshop.
Have you read any of these contemporary fiction books set in India?
What do you think about these contemporary fiction books set in India? Have you read any of them? What books would you add to this list? Let’s talk all about contemporary fiction books set in India in the comments below.
I loved The Bandit Queens. I am so glad I read it.
Hi Patty, I’m so glad to hear you loved The Bandit Queens too!