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. Clear Light of Day

   

   "Clear Light of Day" is a novel set in Old Delhi, which explores the dynamics of the Das family. The story shifts back and forth in time, reflecting on the lives of siblings Bim, Raja, Baba, and Tara, and their relationships with each other and their aunts. The narrative delves into themes of memory, time, and decay, as well as the political upheaval of the Partition of India. The novel is a poignant study of family relationships, personal change, and loss.

   The 2537th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. In Custody

   

   The novel explores the life of Deven Sharma, a Hindi literature professor in the small town of Mirpore, India, who finds himself entangled in the complexities of cultural preservation and personal ambition. Tasked with interviewing and recording the works of Nur, a fading Urdu poet, Deven confronts the decline of the Urdu language and the poet's own waning relevance. As he navigates the chaotic and often comical world of Nur's entourage, Deven grapples with his own unfulfilled dreams, a strained marriage, and the stark realities of academic life. The story delves into themes of linguistic heritage, the burdens of tradition, and the search for identity amidst the changing cultural landscape of India.

   The 14232nd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Rosarita

   

   In "Rosarita," a young woman named Bonita travels from India to San Miguel, Mexico, to study Spanish. While enjoying the solitude of a park bench, she encounters a mysterious woman who claims to recognize her as the daughter of an artist who once made the same journey. Despite Bonita's insistence that her mother never painted or visited Mexico, the woman's story intrigues her. As Bonita delves deeper, she uncovers connections between her past and present, challenging her understanding of her family's history and her own identity.

   The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Baumgartner’s Bombay

   

   In "Baumgartner's Bombay" by Anita Desai, the story revolves around Hugo Baumgartner, a German Jew who fled to India during World War II. Set in Bombay, the novel explores the themes of identity, displacement, and the search for belonging. As the narrative unfolds, Hugo's life becomes entwined with that of the city's street children, leading to a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human connections.

   The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Fire On The Mountain

   

   Set against the serene backdrop of the Himalayan foothills, this poignant narrative explores themes of solitude, introspection, and the complexities of human relationships. The story follows Nanda Kaul, a reclusive widow who retreats to her isolated home in Carignano, seeking peace and detachment from the world. Her tranquility is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of her great-granddaughter, Raka, whose presence stirs memories and emotions Nanda had long buried. As the two navigate their shared solitude, the novel delves into the inner lives of its characters, revealing the quiet struggles and unspoken bonds that shape their existence.

6. 6. Fasting, Feasting

   

   Set against the backdrop of contrasting cultures, this novel intricately weaves the lives of two siblings, Uma and Arun, who are caught in the web of familial expectations and societal norms. Uma, living in India, grapples with her constrained existence under the watchful eyes of her traditional family, yearning for freedom and self-expression. Meanwhile, Arun, studying in America, faces the challenges of cultural dislocation and the pressure to succeed in a foreign land. Through their parallel journeys, the narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the universal quest for personal fulfillment amidst the dichotomy of abundance and deprivation.

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7. 7. The Village By The Sea

   

   Set in a small coastal village in India, the story follows the lives of two siblings, Lila and Hari, who face the harsh realities of poverty and familial responsibilities. With their father succumbing to alcoholism and their mother bedridden, the children are forced to grow up quickly, taking on the roles of caretakers for their younger siblings. As Hari ventures to the bustling city of Bombay in search of work, Lila remains in the village, determined to keep the family together. Through their struggles, the siblings discover resilience and hope, learning to navigate the challenges of their changing world.

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