In moments when the contours of my world seem too confined, when the self veers towards a consuming orbit, I find solace in the refuge of literature. To transcend the intimate cocoon of existence, I delve into another’s reality—a universe distinct, a timeline apart, a heart and mind dissimilar. Books become the vessel for this transcendence, allowing me to share the realities of others as a means to elevate myself from the confines of my singular reality.
These 10 books, each a universe unto itself, have left an indelible mark on my soul, sculpting my perceptions and giving me borrowed consciousness from the vivid characters, plots, and brilliant minds that gave them life.
- ‘Demian’ By Hermann Hesse
-
Demian introduces us to Emil Sinclair, a young boy navigating the journey of self-discovery, seeking meaning in a world colored by conflicting moralities and societal expectations. The author, Hermann Hesse, deftly portrays the internal struggle between the accepted norms of society and the inherent yearning for individual authenticity. Through Sinclair’s evolution, we are confronted with the notion that true enlightenment often arises from embracing the shadows within, acknowledging and integrating the light and darkness that coexist within the human psyche.
- ‘The Color Purple’ By Alice Walker
-
Celie, the protagonist, initially muted and oppressed, evolves into a resounding hymn of self-discovery and empowerment. One of the book’s profound facets lies in its portrayal of trauma—a haunting echo that reverberates through generations. It delves into the cyclical nature of suffering, but, more importantly, it illuminates the undying flame of hope that flickers even in the darkest corners of despair.
- ‘The God Of Small Things’ By Arundhati Roy
-
Through the lives of the unconventional twins, Rahel and Estha, Arundhati Roy peels back the layers of societal expectations, familial bonds, and the burdens of tradition. The narrative’s magnetic force lies not in grandiose events but in the intricate interplay of seemingly insignificant moments—the “small things” that shape destinies and unravel the intricacies of life.
- ‘Kafka On The Shore’ by Haruki Murakami
-
Murakami, a masterful weaver of enigmatic narratives, takes readers through the lives of two protagonists—Kafka Tamura, a fifteen-year-old boy fleeing his father’s curse, and Nakata, an aging man with a unique connection to the metaphysical realm. At its core, Kafka on the Shore is an exploration of the human condition, delving deep into the complexities of identity, memory, and the inexplicable ties that bind us to the cosmos. Murakami blurs the lines between dreams and waking life, crafting a narrative traversing the subconscious mind’s surreal landscapes.
- ‘The Vegetarian’ by Han Kang
-
The Vegetarian is an exploration of the life of Yeong-hye, a woman who chooses to renounce meat, a seemingly simple act that spirals into a rebellion against societal expectations. What makes this book stand out isn’t just its narrative brilliance or lyrical prose, it’s the profound way it excavates the human psyche. Yeong-hye’s journey isn’t just about dietary choices, it’s a radical act of reclaiming agency over one’s life in a society that dictates conformity. As she navigates the repercussions of her decision, the novel peels back layers of societal conditioning, exposing the fragility of societal norms and the immense weight they impose on individual autonomy.
- ‘The Palace Of Illusions’ by Chitra Banerjee Divakurni
-
Set against the backdrop of the timeless Indian epic, the Mahabharata, this masterpiece stands as a reimagined story through the eyes of Draupadi—often portrayed as the central yet enigmatic figure in the epic. What renders this book transformative lies in its ability to challenge preconceived notions. Divakaruni’s Draupadi transcends the boundaries of the epic, transforming from a mere character to a mirror reflecting the complexities of human desires, dilemmas, and the interplay of fate and free will.
- ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini
-
Set against Afghanistan’s tumultuous history, Hosseini crafts a poignant tale that weaves together the lives of two women, Mariam and Laila. The narrative unfolds, depicting the raw emotions, the unspoken sacrifices, and the unyielding love that thrives amidst adversity. Hosseini’s masterful storytelling doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities faced by women in Afghanistan. Instead, it confronts them head-on, painting a portrait of resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships.
- ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde
-
Central to its transformative essence is the portrait of Dorian Gray—a portrayal of eternal youth and unblemished beauty. As Dorian’s portrait captures the burden of his moral decay and hedonistic indulgences while he remains outwardly unscathed, Wilde unfurls the dichotomy between external appearances and the rotting core within. Wilde’s narrative challenges conventional morality, urging readers to confront the facades we craft and the consequences of unchecked desires.
- ‘The Immortals Of Meluha’ by Amish Tripathi
-
Penned by Amish Tripathi, this narrative invites readers into a world of mythology and history, following the life of Shiva, the revered deity, albeit portrayed here as a mortal, his destiny entwined with the fate of the land of Meluha. Each character, be it Shiva or the supporting cast, serves as a mirror reflecting facets of our humanity—flaws, virtues, fears, and aspirations. It breathes life into the ancient lore while drawing parallels with contemporary society, prompting contemplation on societal constructs, moral dilemmas, and the eternal dance between good and evil.
- ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho
-
The Alchemist is an odyssey—a spiritual pilgrimage that covers the arid deserts of Andalusia, guiding readers through the labyrinthine pathways of their aspirations and dreams. Santiago, a young shepherd, embarks on a quest to pursue his Personal Legend, echoing the universal yearning for purpose and fulfillment that dwells within us all. The allure of The Alchemist lies in the profound philosophical undercurrents that flow throughout the narrative, infusing each chapter with nuggets of timeless truths and insights.
So here, I share the experience of 10 reads that irrevocably impacted my conception of the world. I hope they do the same (or greater) for you. Each page turned, each narrative unfolded, carries the potential to expand horizons, dissolve boundaries, and weave together the rich reality of our collective consciousness.