Looking for must-reads by Indian authors this year? Whether you’re into memoirs, epic fiction, or socially relevant short stories, these books are setting the tone for India’s literary scene in 2025. Here are five novels/works that you definitely should put on your reading list.

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1. Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy

Genre: Memoir

Why It’s Unmissable:
Arundhati Roy, best known for The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, ventures into memoir for the first time with Mother Mary Comes to Me. Scheduled for release on September 2, 2025, this book explores her lifelong relationship with her mother, Mary Roy—an educator and women’s rights activist—and how that bond shaped Roy’s identity both personally and as a writer. Check Reads+3AP News+3Penguin Random House India+3

Expect raw emotion, political awareness, and Roy’s famed lyrical prose. If you want a book that blends memoir, social commentary, and beautiful storytelling, this is the one.

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2. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai

Genre: Contemporary / Literary Fiction

Why It’s Unmissable:
Kiran Desai returns in 2025 with The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, a sweeping novel about identity, displacement, and family ties. It follows Sonia, a writer in Vermont, and Sunny, an Indian immigrant journalist split between two worlds. Their paths cross, unveiling intimate stories of love, loss, and what belonging really means. Wikipedia

Desai’s work is already being lauded for its ambitious scope and emotional depth—great if you’re searching for something that stays with you long after you finish.

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3. Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq

Genre: Short Stories / Literary Fiction

Why It’s Unmissable:
Heart Lamp (translated into English) is a powerful collection of short stories by Kannada author Banu Mushtaq. It gives voice to women—especially from marginalized communities—grappling with religion, caste, gender, and family. The themes are often painful but also deeply human, showing resilience, defiance, and quiet strength. Financial Times+1

If you enjoy character-driven stories that illuminate unseen corners of Indian society, this book will make a strong impact.

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4. Satyaki Dwapar Ka Ajey Yodha by Dushyant Pratap Singh

Genre: Mythological / Fantasy (Hindi)

Why It’s Unmissable:
For those who love mythology reimagined, Satyaki Dwapar Ka Ajey Yodha offers a fresh perspective on the Mahabharata era, focusing on the largely overlooked warrior Satyaki. Written in Hindi by Dushyant Pratap Singh, it blends epic storytelling with deep cultural roots. Wikipedia

It’s perfect if you’re interested in mythological novels, want something in regional Indian languages, or simply enjoy rich, heroic narratives.

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5. Ram c/o Anandhi by Akhil P. Dharmajan (English Translation, 2025)

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Drama

Why It’s Unmissable:
Originally published in Malayalam in 2020, Ram c/o Anandhi by Akhil P. Dharmajan finds a wider audience in 2025 with its English translation. It’s a deeply emotional love story exploring relationships, longing, identity, and the pull between tradition and modern life. Wikipedia

If you appreciate romance with substance—from cultural context to heartfelt character arcs—this translation makes this story accessible to more readers.

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Why These Novels Stand Out in 2025

• Diverse genres & languages: Memoir, mythological fantasy, literary fiction, short stories, regional & translated works.
• Relevant themes: Identity, migration, caste, gender, belonging, cultural roots vs modern pressures.
• Critical acclaim & buzz: From Booker longlists to prize wins, these books aren’t just popular—they’re being talked about for a reason.

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Final Thoughts

2025 promises to be a landmark year for Indian literature. These five works don’t just tell stories—they challenge perspectives, offer fresh voices, and connect deeply with the issues shaping India and its diaspora today.

So grab your next read, mark your calendar, and let these novels take you on journeys you won’t forget. Happy reading! 📚