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Diasporic Indian writers who defined 2024
Their books remind us of the power of stories to connect people across continents, generations, and identities.
New India Abroad curated a list that spans themes of culture, identity, politics, and everything in between, offering a kaleidoscopic view of what it means to belong—both here and there. / Google books.
From histories of political movements to poignant memoirs, 2024 has been a year of rich literary offerings for and about the Indian diaspora. As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on a year that gave us a wealth of literature exploring the Indian diaspora's complexities, triumphs, and struggles.
New India Abroad curated a list that spans themes of culture, identity, politics, and everything in between, offering a kaleidoscopic view of what it means to belong—both here and there.
A Thousand Times Before by Asha Thanki
Asha Thanki’s debut novel is a sweeping intergenerational saga that connects Partition-era India to present-day Brooklyn. Through a fantastical tapestry that allows women to inherit the memories of their ancestors, Thanki delves into love, loss, and the burdens of legacy. Rooted in heartbreak and hope, this poetic narrative is a standout for its tender exploration of history and family ties.
The Lucky Ones by Zara Chowdhary
Zara Chowdhary’s memoir, The Lucky Ones, transports readers to 2002 Gujarat, where communal violence devastated communities. Chowdhary recounts her family’s harrowing survival with unflinching honesty and lyricism, creating a narrative that is as haunting as it is vital. This book is a testament to resilience and the necessity of bearing witness.
The Myth of Making It: A Workplace Reckoning by Samhita Mukhopadhyay
In The Myth of Making It, Samhita Mukhopadhyay confronts the seductive lies of hustle culture with wit, grit, and an honest reckoning of her own career. She questions the cost of climbing the corporate ladder and offers an alternative vision: a liberated workplace rooted in equity, care, and justice. Part memoir, part manifesto, Mukhopadhyay’s book is a clarion call for those yearning to redefine success in an exhausting world.
Sage Warrior by Valarie Kaur
Drawing from Sikh traditions and her personal experiences, Valarie Kaur’s Sage Warrior is a luminous guide for inner transformation and collective action. Kaur weaves centuries of Sikh history with urgent lessons on grief, pleasure, and courage, creating a blueprint for becoming what she calls a "sage warrior"—a balance of radical love and relentless resistance. For seekers and fighters alike, this book is a balm and a battle cry.
A Bomb Placed Close to the Heart by Nishant Batsha
Set against the backdrop of World War I, Nishant Batsha’s historical novel chronicles the romance and radicalism of Cora and Indra, two individuals caught in the throes of love and political rebellion. Through their journey, Batsha illuminates the intersections of identity, ambition, and resistance. This poignant tale is both a historical excavation and a meditation on the enduring complexities of marriage and freedom.
Twilight Prisoners by Siddhartha Deb
For anyone grappling with India’s current political climate, Siddhartha Deb’s Twilight Prisoners is an urgent and necessary read. Deb dissects the alleged rise of Hindu nationalism under Modi and the BJP with precision, talking to dissenters, minorities, and everyday citizens. The result is a blistering critique of authoritarianism that resonates far beyond India, offering sobering lessons for democracies worldwide.
The Way You Make Me Feel: Love in Black and Brown by Nina Sharma
In this candid memoir, Nina Sharma navigates the intersections of race, caste, and love through her marriage to a Black man. Sharma’s deft storytelling blends personal vulnerability with sharp cultural critique, unraveling taboos around anti-Blackness and mental health within Indian American homes. This book is as brave as it is necessary, offering a deeply intimate yet universally resonant narrative.
How to Make Your Mother Cry by Sejal Shah
Sejal Shah’s genre-defying collection of linked stories and essays is a lyrical exploration of diasporic girlhood and womanhood. Blurring the boundaries of form, Shah creates a deeply poetic and impressionistic narrative that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. This is a must-read for lovers of experimental storytelling.
Broken Threads: My Family from Empire to Independence by Mishal Husain
Mishal Husain’s Broken Threads unravels her family’s history through Partition, tracing their journeys with empathy and precision. Using letters, diaries, and other artifacts, Husain reconstructs a tapestry of resilience and identity. This beautifully crafted memoir bridges personal narrative with historical insight, making it both an intimate family portrait and a broader exploration of South Asia’s turbulent past.
These books remind us of the power of stories to connect us across continents, generations, and identities. As we step into a new year, they leave us with lessons to carry forward and questions to ponder. Which of these will you pick up next?
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