Many known names in the Indian and global literary scene have come out with new books this year. Here’s a list of 10 bestselling books by Indian authors in 2021. The authors we have listed below are best in class authors and their stories give you a larger than life feel.
10 Bestselling Books By Indian Authors In 2021:
The Nutmeg’s Curse by Amitav Ghosh
Perhaps the biggest stalwart of contemporary Indian literature and India’s biggest chance at big literary prizes came out with two books this year. This one explores the climate crisis from the perspective of a nutmeg. A non-fictional yet fictitious odyssey through nature, this book is phenomenal.
Languages of Truth by Salman Rushdie
This compilation of celebrated storyteller Rushdie’s essays from 2003 to 2020 consists of varying meditations on language. It talks of the work of famous authors like Cervantes and Shakespeare and what the work means to Rushdie He views literature from the lens of an eternal truth and from the prism of an ever-evolving cultural paradigm. Ultimately, he explores how storytelling is a need rather than a product of talent. This is definitely a must read for all lovers of literature.
It’s A Wonderful Life by Ruskin Bond
In this new book by India’s most beloved man, the gloom of the pandemic is dispelled by meditations on small joys and delights. Indeed, this book is a box of sunshine from a man so fond of life and nature that it uplifts even the darkest moods.
The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Of ‘The Palace of Illusions’ fame, Divakaruni’s newest book focuses on Punjabi history, in specific, on Jindan Kaur, wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. She was fierce and indomitable, a woman of sheer will unafraid to break away from traditions. This newest book by Chitra brings another unheard of voice of a woman to light, with the tenderness and poetic-ness she is known for.
The Bombay Prince by Sujata Massey
2021 saw the release of the third book in the Parveen Mistry series. This historical fiction cum mystery series follows the life and adventures of Parveen Mistry in the early 1900s Bombay. This book, in specific, tells the murder mystery story of a girl student in Bombay living amidst the riots protesting against the colonial rule of Prince Edward. With a high tension storyline that captures the spirit of both Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Indian culture, this one sold like hot cakes.
The Earthspinner by Anuradha Roy
This cultural fiction follows Sara, who studies at a foreign university but feels isolated, from which she seeks reprieve through pottery. As she does, she recalls her childhood in India, where she learnt pottery. Her diary entries alternate with her teacher Elango’s life in India a decade ago, until a religious violence tore apart their lives.
How the Earth Got Its Beauty by Sudha Murty
Written in Murty’s characteristic simple yet riveting style is this illustrated chapter book for children. Murty tells the story of a fable like voice, with the artwork bringing her words to life. This was definitely a winner among children’s books this year.
Names of the Women by Jeet Thayill
This literary historical fiction from the Booker shortlisted author teleports us to the times of Christ. As the layers of the novel, much like an onion, peel off, the stories of fifteen women contemporaries of Christ come to life.
Voices of Dissent by Romila Thapar
The historical scholar Thapar, in this book length essay, delves into the roots of disagreement and conflict. She traces the history of conflict through the ages.
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
This is Lahiri’s first book in Italian, which she herself has translated into English. The protagonist, as the title suggests, is in constant movement, oscillating between belonging and detachment, between one place and another. And then suddenly, there is a peripeteia in her perspective – a sudden change that will change her life. This book is poetry – and an examination of very important, intangible themes.
Also Read: 10 Best Debut Authors Of December 2021
