I knew I wanted to be a writer since the third grade, ever since my teacher Mrs. Vallerugo secretly allowed me to borrow multiple books past the school's two-only lending policy. It's true what they say: to become a better writer, you must first read, and read a lot. Growing up, books became my companion. I preferred immersing myself into the fictional world of the main character and plotting story synopses in my head instead of playing with other kids during recess or binging television after school. But there was a part of me that struggled when I realised that much of what I was reading lacked diverse and inclusive [1] characters and narratives. Where were the authors and characters that looked like me?
As an Indian woman, I gravitated toward Jhumpa Lahiri and Arundhati Roy, but I craved more literary role models that told stories about love, heartbreak, family, and beauty that I could relate to as I was navigating adolescence. Over time, representation in books has evolved, and there's been a shift to celebrate the work of underrepresented communities like Black [2] or Latinx authors and women writers [3]. When it comes to the South Asian literary scene, there's still a small yet growing pool of writers whose work is making deep impacts in the community and highlighting the wide range of topics that are familiar and key to the conversations relevant to the diaspora.
Here is a list of existing and upcoming books by South Asian female authors from both the UK and the US that exemplify core values of culture, heritage, and tradition.
Somebody Give This Heart a Pen by Sophia Thakur
Poet and spoken word performer Sophia Thakur [4]'s collection of written poetry dives into issues of heartbreak, love, family, friendship, and race. Thakur's raw and powerful collection speaks to anyone, but especially women of colour and mixed race people, who are trying to figure out their own place in the world. Though the collection itself is only 112 pages, you are guaranteed to read and reread many of the poems for their deeper insights. You can also watch Thakur perform her poetry on her YouTube channel. [5]
Somebody Give This Heart a Pen is available at Waterstones [6]
My Hair is Pink Under This Veil by Rabina Khan
Bangladeshi-British Author, Rabina Khan [7] hailing from Kent, England, candidly talks about her journey of coming to terms with her Muslim identity and learning how to wear her hijab proudly in a world where prejudice and racism are rampant. Khan provides an insight into growing up brown in a "non-brown" world. Through humour and grace, she talks about the politics behind the hijab and writes about her pursuit towards a political career.
My Hair is Pink Under This Veil is available at Waterstones [8]
The Pain Gap: How Sexism and Racism in Healthcare Kill Women by Anushay Hossain
Bangladeshi-American writer and feminist policy analyst Anushay Hossain's [9] debut novel explains how she nearly died from childbirth in an American hospital following 30 hours of labor in which her epidural slipped, she ran a fever of 40 degrees, and underwent an emergency C-section. Hossain highlights traumatic experiences of real women under this healthcare system and empowers them to use their experiences to bring a much needed healthcare revolution. Though set in the United States, Hossain's novel dives deeper into the universal issue of maternal mortality.
The Pain Gap is available for preorder at WHSmith [10] and will be published 25 Nov.
My Past is a Foreign Country by Zeba Talkhani
Though born to Indian expat parents, Zeba Talkhani [11] grew up in a patriarchal society in Saudi Arabia that was often stringent and oppressive. In her novel My Past is a Foreign Country, Talkhani tries to make sense of her upbringing in this world and ultimately decides to become financially independent and marry on her own terms in the UK, breaking away from the confines of her religion and family. The emotional and inspiring story is a retelling of how she moved abroad to find her freedom and the experiences along the way.
My Past is a Foreign Country is available on Waterstones [12]
What Would the Aunties Say? by Anchal Seda
There's this running theme in the South Asian community of "log kya kahenge?" [13], which roughly translates to "What would people say?" London born beauty blogger, podcaster and writer Anchal Seda's "What Would the Aunties Say?" (based on the podcast of the same name [14]) provides an insight into this concept. In her debut novel, which is a mix of satire and humour, Seda gives South Asian women practical advice on how to navigate a world that is starkly different from the ones their parents and elders grew up in. The goal is to empower readers to own who they are and embrace their individuality. Check out her podcast on Spotify [15].
What Would the Aunties Say? is available at Urban Outfitters [16].
untold by Brown Girl Magazine
Curated by Brown Girl Magazine [17], untold: Defining Moments of the Uprooted [18] is a collection of real stories that explore the South Asian experiences in North America and the UK through the lens of identity, being, and relationships. The anthology houses the stories of 31 women who navigate defining moments of their lives like divorce, infertility, heartbreak, or coming out. untold [19] gives people a chance to empathise with strangers while realising that despite our differences there is a universal sense of solidarity when hearing these authentic narratives of those around the globe.
untold: Defining Moments of the Uprootedis available at Mango & Marigold Press. [20]
Sunflower Sisters by Monika Singh Gangotra
Sunflower Sisters by trained psychologist Monika Singh Gangotra is a children's picture book series that explores familiar colourism through the eyes of two best friends Amrita and Kiki. Gangotra aims to help parents navigate conversations around culture and identity by offering a window into the lived experiences of those affected by colourism, while also celebrating the lessons the friends learn from each other's South Asian and Nigerian communities. Children learn about their differences at an early age; Sunflower Sisters is aimed to help them celebrate these distinctions and to foster inclusivity.
Sunflower Sisters is available at Waterstones [21]
Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave
Well-Behaved Indian Women follows Simran Mehta who has always felt harshly judged by her mother when it comes to her little "writing hobby". Simran questions her predetermined future as a psychologist and engagement with her high school sweetheart when a respected journalist enters her life. The novel follows the complex, yet beautiful generational relationship between mother and daughter. Inspired by the strong women in her own life, Saumya Dave [22] wanted to write a book that demonstrated the resilience and vulnerabilities of South Asian immigrants and the inevitable difficulties they face trying to build a new life from the ones they left in their homelands.
Well-Behaved Indian Women is available on Waterstones [23]
We’re Speaking: Life Lessons of Kamala Harris by Hitha Palepu
In November 2019 when South Asian and Black candidate Kamala Harris [24] was elected Vice President of the United States, the world rejoiced at how she made history breaking barriers in the world of politics. Author and CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals Hitha Palepu's second book is a compilation of VP Kamala Harris [25]'s unique biography coupled with interviews of prominent women who know her well. Throughout the book, you'll find also find a compilation of valuable lessons to offer women guidance on how to be assertive and authentic in their personal and work life. As a South Asian woman in the States, Hitha Palepu [26] sees much of Kamala Harris and her mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris reflected in herself and in her own family. Her upcoming novel zones in on anecdotes about immigration, western assimilation, and finding one's identity.
We're Speaking: Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, and Own Your Story is available for preorder on WHSmith [27] and will be published on 11 Nov.
When I Hit You by Meena Kandasamy
Meena Kandasamy [28] was born into a mixed-caste Tamil family in India and moved to London in 2016. She has written a number of other works that explore issues about caste and social justice, but notably her novel When I Hit You tells the story of an unnamed narrator who suffers domestic abuse by her husband and realises that she must rescue herself and break away from the society that tries to silence women. The book is honest and explores the issue of leaving unsafe and toxic marriages despite outdated societal expectations. The book was shortlisted for a number of awards including The Women's Prize for Fiction in 2018.
When I Hit You is available at Waterstones [29]
Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals For Happiness by Mira Manek
Ayurveda is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent, though it is making its way into mainstream culture. Mira Manek [30] writes about the key and basic principles of Ayurveda in a simple way that draws on modern day nutrition, rituals she grew up with, and approaches toward happiness and spirituality. Her work provides an insight into tradition and ancient systems but explains how these practices are applicable today, and why.
Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals is available on Amazon [31]