Immerse Yourself in Asian Literature: A Journey Through 25 Must-Read Books
With some of the oldest languages on earth, vibrant storytelling traditions, and a rich melting pot of cultures, Asia is a literature lover’s dream. There’s no shortage of myths, legends, contemporary classics, comics, poems, novels, and memoirs across this vast continent. From India to Japan, Mongolia to Sri Lanka, Asian literature offers everything from ancient hymns to modern narratives of love, identity, and healing.
Narrowing down the extensive array of books by Asian authors is a daunting task—however, we have curated a selection of 25 standout titles that provide a glimpse into the cultures spanning from Bangladesh to Laos. Whether you are planning your next adventure or seeking solace in literature, these books promise to transport you to bustling city streets and cozy homes, from Hanoi to Hong Kong.
Bangladesh
A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous March of 1971, Rehana Haque hosts a special party for her children, taken from her during the 1950s and now politically engaged university students. The Bangladesh War of Independence tests their family bonds while offering rich details of Bangladesh beyond merely being a land of headlines.
Cambodia
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
This poignant tale, rooted in Ratner’s childhood experiences during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime, explores the profound grief of loss amidst the brutality of conflict, as the protagonist seeks refuge in childhood stories shared by her father.
China
Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien
This moving narrative follows a musical family navigating the upheaval before and after the Communist Revolution in China. The intricately woven tale explores themes of love, art, and the deep scars left by political turbulence.
City Gate, Open Up by Bei Dao, translated by Jeffrey Yang
The experience of returning to a radically changed hometown serves as a backdrop for Bei Dao’s exploration of memory and identity, set within a Beijing altered by historical events.
Hong Kong
Dear Hong Kong: An Elegy to a City by Xu Xi
This personal narrative chronicles Xu Xi’s deep connection to Hong Kong amidst recent socio-political changes, reflecting on her life in this unique city.
India
Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer by Cyrus Mistry
This touching tale of love set against the pre-independence backdrop of the Parsis community in 1940s Bombay showcases the cultural diversity of ancient Zoroastrian faith.
Essence of Camphor by Naiyer Masud, translated by Muhammad Umar Memon
This enchanting collection of stories highlights India’s rich cultural tapestry, from delightful tales of folklore to reflections on human struggles.
Indonesia
Home by Leila S. Chudori, translated by John H. McGlynn
Chudori’s expansive narrative intertwines the lives of everyday Indonesians turned political exiles during the Suharto regime, capturing their trials and resilience in Indonesia.
Japan
The Great Passage by Shion Miura, translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter
This postmodern work takes readers on a journey of language, exploring the intricate Japanese vocabulary while illuminating cultural nuances and identity.
Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri, translated by Morgan Giles
A haunting yet gripping story, Yu Miri’s novel navigates the effects of the 2011 tsunami and the 2020 Olympics through the eyes of a ghost in Tokyo.
Kazakhstan
The Dead Wander in the Desert by Rollan Seisenbayev
This poignant narrative captures life in post-independence Kazakhstan, reflecting on cultural heritage while addressing contemporary challenges.
Laos
Mother’s Beloved: Stories from Laos by Outhine Bounyavong
Bounyavong’s intimate portraits of Lao culture beautifully illustrate everyday life, making it a fundamental addition to the literature from Laos.
Malaysia
The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds by Selina Siak Chin Yoke
This historical novel navigates the shifting landscape of colonial Malaysia, exploring the protagonist’s familial ties amid societal changes.
Mongolia
The Blue Sky by Galsan Tschinag, translated by Katharina Rout
This coming-of-age story set in Mongolia’s Altai Mountains captures the fleeting essence of childhood and cultural heritage.
Myanmar
From the Land of Green Ghosts by Pascal Khoo Thwe
This memoir documents Thwe’s harrowing escape from political turmoil in Myanmar, telling a true story of survival and resilience.
Nepal
Arresting God in Kathmandu by Samrat Upadhyay
Through a series of stories, Upadhyay brings urban life in Nepal to life, addressing themes of marriage, spirituality, and everyday challenges.
The Philippines
The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic by Nick Joaquin
Joaquin’s work encompasses the intricacies of Filipino identity, touching upon the country’s sociopolitical dynamics.
Singapore
Ponti by Sharlene Teo
Teo’s exploration of female friendship in Singapore reflects broader societal transformations and personal growth.
South Korea
Please Look After Mom by Shin Kyung-sook, translated by Chi-Young Kim
This award-winning novel addresses family dynamics in contemporary Korea, challenging traditional roles and societal expectations.
Sri Lanka
The Autobiography of a Goddess by Andal Andal, translated by Priya Sarukkai Chabria and Ravi Shankar
Through the spiritual poetry of Andal, this literary work immerses readers in the traditions and cultural depth of Sri Lanka.
Taiwan
Two Trees Make A Forest by Jessica J. Lee
Lee’s narrative elegantly intertwines her heritage and the natural landscape of Taiwan, reflecting on personal and collective histories.
Thailand
Arid Dreams: Stories by Duanwad Pimwana, translated by Mui Poopoksakul
This collection showcases the complexities of modern Thai society through a series of interconnected stories, each revealing hidden truths.
Vietnam
The Book of Salt by Monique Truong
This exquisite narrative shifts perspectives by narrating the life of a Vietnamese cook in Paris, illustrating the sense of cultural dislocation of the diaspora.
An Insignificant Family by Da Ngan, translated by Rosemary Nguyen
This novel addresses themes of resilience and identity through the story of a former guerrilla fighter in Vietnam, who challenges societal conventions.
