This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Guide

   

   "The Guide" follows the life of Raju, a corrupt tour guide who, through a series of events, ends up in prison, and later becomes a spiritual guide. After his release from prison, Raju is mistaken for a holy man by villagers and gets involved in resolving a drought problem by fasting. The novel explores themes of life, death, and redemption, as well as the complex nature of human relationships and the power of belief.

   The 1300th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. Swami and Friends

   

   Set in the fictional town of Malgudi in South India, the book follows the story of a ten-year-old boy named Swami and his adventures with his friends. The narrative encapsulates the trials and tribulations of school life, family relationships, and friendships in a traditional Indian context. The book is a charming exploration of a child's life in a small town, filled with humor and poignant moments.

   The 2853rd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

3. 3. The Painter Of Signs

   

   This novel is set in the bustling streets of Malgudi, India, and follows the life of Raman, a meticulous sign painter who prides himself on his dedication to his craft. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Daisy, a strong-willed and independent woman working on a family planning project. As Raman falls deeply in love with Daisy, his previously uncomplicated life becomes entangled with conflicting emotions and the challenges of adapting to someone with a radically different outlook on life. The story beautifully explores themes of love, tradition, and the clash between old and new societal values, all while painting a vivid picture of life in a small Indian town.

   The 5483rd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

4. 4. Vendor Of Sweets

   The Story of a Sweet Vendor

   

   The book centers around Jagan, a sweet vendor in India who lives by the principles of Gandhi, and his relationship with his westernized son, Mali. Despite Jagan's efforts to provide a traditional upbringing, Mali rejects his father's values and moves to America to pursue a career in writing. The novel explores the generational and cultural clashes between father and son, as Jagan struggles to understand his son's choices and the tension between tradition and modernity in post-colonial India.

   The 8899th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon
5. 5. The English Teacher

   

   The book revolves around an English teacher living in India who is struggling with the death of his wife. After her passing, he begins to communicate with her through a medium, which brings him peace and helps him cope with his loss. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the spiritual connection between the living and the dead. It also delves into the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and his eventual acceptance of his wife's death.

   The 9857th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

6. 6. Waiting for the Mahatma

   

   "Waiting for the Mahatma" is a novel set against the backdrop of the Indian Independence movement. The story revolves around a young, carefree boy named Sriram who falls in love with a devoted disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, Bharati. His love for Bharati leads him to join the freedom struggle, despite his lack of political interest. The narrative explores his transformation from a reckless youth to a mature individual committed to the cause, under the influence of Bharati and the Mahatma. Despite the challenges and personal sacrifices, Sriram remains steadfast in his commitment to the freedom movement, showcasing the impact of love and ideology on personal growth.

   The 13550th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

7. 7. The Financial Expert

   

   The novel follows the life of Margayya, a shrewd and ambitious financial advisor in a small South Indian town, who starts his career under a banyan tree offering advice to the local people on financial matters. With his cunning mind and understanding of the banking system, he rises to wealth and prominence, helping people with loans and investment schemes. However, his success is marred by his morally questionable methods and the eventual downfall that results from his hubris and detachment from traditional values. The story is a reflection on the complexities of financial dealings and the impact of modern capitalism on traditional Indian society, exploring themes of ambition, greed, and the consequences of a life devoted to the pursuit of money.

   The 15899th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

8. 8. The Ramayana

   A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic

   

   The book is a retelling of an ancient Indian epic that follows the journey of Prince Rama, who is exiled from his kingdom along with his devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana. During their exile, Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana, prompting Rama to embark on a quest to rescue her. With the help of an army of monkeys and bears, led by the valiant Hanuman, Rama battles formidable foes and overcomes numerous challenges. The story explores themes of duty, honor, and the triumph of good over evil, ultimately highlighting the importance of righteousness and devotion.

9. 9. Malgudi Days

   

   Set in the fictional town of Malgudi in southern India, this collection of short stories captures the essence of everyday life through a tapestry of vivid characters and poignant narratives. Each tale delves into the lives of ordinary people, from a schoolboy's adventures to the struggles of a street vendor, painting a rich portrait of human nature and the complexities of societal norms. With a blend of humor, irony, and empathy, the stories explore themes of ambition, love, and the pursuit of happiness, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org
10. 10. A Tiger For Malgudi

    

    In this enchanting tale, the story unfolds through the eyes of a majestic tiger who once roamed the jungles freely but finds himself captured and thrust into the world of humans. As he navigates his new life, he encounters a compassionate monk who becomes his spiritual guide, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Through a series of adventures and misadventures, the tiger learns about the complexities of human nature, the essence of freedom, and the power of inner peace, ultimately finding a harmonious balance between his primal instincts and newfound wisdom.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org

11. 11. Memories Of Malgudi

    

    Set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, this collection of stories captures the essence of everyday life through a tapestry of vivid characters and their unique experiences. Each tale delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and societal norms, painting a rich portrait of a community that is both timeless and deeply rooted in tradition. With a blend of humor, pathos, and keen observation, the narratives explore themes of love, ambition, and the inevitable passage of time, offering readers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a quintessential Indian town.

12. 12. The Man Eater Of Malgudi

    

    In a sleepy South Indian town, a mild-mannered printer leads a quiet, orderly life until a charismatic but menacing taxidermist moves in and upends the community. The outsider’s violent past and appetite for domination clash with the printer’s gentle principles, drawing neighbors into a moral and physical struggle that tests loyalties and courage. As tensions escalate around a feared man-eating tiger and the town’s sense of normalcy, the story explores the uneasy balance between civility and savagery and the quiet bravery required to defend everyday goodness.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org

13. 13. The Bachelor Of Arts

    

    Set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, the novel follows a young college graduate whose romantic idealism and impulsive behavior lead to heartbreak, strained family relations and a brief exile from home; through a series of awkward relationships, odd jobs and moments of self-doubt he slowly confronts the gap between youthful dreams and social responsibilities and moves toward a quieter, more mature acceptance of adult life.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org