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India -- Fiction Books
Best books
Rudyard Kipling
The Jungle Book
"The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of stories published in 1894. The tales follow Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, alongside animal characters like Shere Khan the tiger and Baloo the bear. Through these fables, Kipling explores themes of abandonment and fostering, law and freedom, and the balance between civilization and wildness. The stories teach lessons about respect for authority while celebrating the freedom to move between different worlds, using animals as archetypes for human nature and society.
Rudyard Kipling
Kim
"Kim" by Rudyard Kipling is a novel first published in 1901. It follows the adventures of an orphaned Irish boy living as a street vagabond in late 19th-century India. Kim befriends a Tibetan lama seeking spiritual enlightenment and becomes his disciple. Their journey along the Grand Trunk Road draws Kim into the dangerous world of British espionage and the Great Game—the covert struggle between Russia and Britain for control of Central Asia. The novel vividly portrays India's cultures, religions, and teeming populations.
I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie
The Hermit Doctor of Gaya: A Love Story of Modern India
"The Hermit Doctor of Gaya: A Love Story of Modern India" by I. A. R. Wylie is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Indian culture and colonial tensions, the story unfolds through the lives of various characters, including the titular hermit doctor, Tristram, and the village storyteller, Ayeshi, amidst romantic and historical plots. The narrative intertwines themes of love, bravery, and the clash between modernity and tradition. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a crisis of the past, shared through a village storyteller recounting the tale of Rani Kurnavati’s valorous stand against enemy forces in Chitore, highlighting themes of heroism and sacrifice. The scene shifts to the present day, where Tristram, known as the "Dakktar Sahib," engages with the villagers, prescribing medicine while fostering deeper connections, especially with a young boy named Ayeshi, who shows great admiration for him. As Tristram and Ayeshi travel toward a temple, the narrative unveils a sense of mystery and anticipation for the challenges and relationships that lie ahead, setting the stage for a larger exploration of the intersection between personal desires and broader social issues in an evolving India.
Rudyard Kipling
El libro de las tierras vírgenes
"El libro de las tierras vírgenes" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of stories published in 1894. Most characters are animals like Shere Khan the tiger and Baloo the bear, though the central figure is Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. The tales explore themes of abandonment and fostering, law and freedom, using animal archetypes to teach moral lessons about respect for authority and finding one's place in society. The stories balance order with wildness, reflecting both responsible and untamed aspects of human nature.
Rudyard Kipling
The Second Jungle Book
"The Second Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of stories published in 1895. This sequel features five tales of Mowgli navigating the laws of the jungle, from learning ancient wisdom during a drought to facing revenge, deadly treasure, and rampaging wild dogs. Three additional stories set in India explore themes of sacrifice, survival, and the natural world. Each tale is paired with poetry, creating a rich tapestry of adventure that examines the boundary between civilization and wilderness.
Richard Savage
A Fascinating Traitor: An Anglo-Indian Story
"A Fascinating Traitor: An Anglo-Indian Story" by Col. Richard Henry Savage is a novel that likely draws upon themes of adventure and intrigue set against the backdrop of the British colonial experience, written during the late 19th century. The narrative introduces Major Alan Hawke, a disillusioned and financially troubled former officer deeply reflective on his wasteful past, who finds himself in Geneva, contemplating drastic actions amidst a swirl of complex character interactions. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Major Alan Hawke as he reflects on his failures and sense of hopelessness while feeding swans at Lake Leman. His misadventures have left him financially stricken after a disastrous stint at the gaming tables of Monte Carlo. As he resolves to return to India, he encounters Captain Anson Anstruther, with whom he engages in a game of cards that leads to unexpected financial gains for Hawke. This chance meeting at a hotel’s dining room evolves into a fateful connection, particularly with the emerging presence of a captivating woman who has an interest in the affairs of another character, the wealthy returnee Hugh Johnstone. The opening chapters set the tone for a complex interplay of ambition, risk, and romance, hinting that the lines between loyalty and treachery may prove to be as intricate as the characters themselves.
Rudyard Kipling
Le livre de la Jungle
"Le livre de la Jungle" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of stories published in 1894 and 1895. Written during Kipling's time in Vermont and inspired by his years in India, these tales unfold in a fantastical Indian jungle populated by anthropomorphized animals. At the heart of several stories is Mowgli, a human child raised by wolves who must navigate the laws of the jungle. Other adventures feature different animals and settings, each followed by poetic verses that echo the story's themes.
Rudyard Kipling
The Jungle Book
"The Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of stories published in 1894. The tales follow Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, alongside animal characters like Shere Khan the tiger and Baloo the bear. Through these fables, Kipling explores themes of abandonment and belonging, law and freedom, teaching lessons about respect for authority while celebrating the wildness of nature. The stories blend human archetypes with animal forms, creating timeless tales that have captivated readers and inspired countless adaptations.
Harry Hervey
Caravans By Night: A Romance of India
"Caravans By Night: A Romance of India" by Harry Hervey is a novel written in the early 20th century. It is set against a vibrant backdrop of India, exploring themes of intrigue, commerce, and the complexities of colonial life through the lens of its characters. The story unfolds primarily through the experiences of Muhafiz Ali, a merchant who finds himself intertwined in a web of ambition and deception involving a mysterious sahib and the political machinations of the Raj. The opening of the novel introduces Muhafiz Ali, an amiable merchant in Indore, who encounters a man with corn-colored hair and a striking demeanor, leading to an unexpected commission for a copy of a royal Pearl Scarf. This interaction sets off a chain of events laden with suspicion, as Ali grapples with his hatred for a rival merchant while feeling the weight of recent family tragedies. The narrative builds tension as Ali becomes embroiled in potential danger, especially upon realizing that the original Pearl Scarf has been stolen. The blend of local culture, personal conflict, and impending intrigue sets the stage for a thrilling tale of romance and adventure in a land steeped in mystery.
Talbot Mundy
Caves of Terror
"Caves of Terror" by Talbot Mundy is a novel written in the early 20th century. It combines elements of adventure and mysticism as it follows the journey of Athelstan King and his associate, who are drawn into a web of intrigue and political maneuvering in India. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a crumbling colonial order, exploring themes of power, knowledge, and the clash of cultures. The opening of the story introduces us to Meldrum Strange, a business boss who dispatches his employee to India on a critical mission involving a man named Athelstan King, a former British officer with connections to secret service operations. Upon arrival in Bombay, King meets Gulab Lal Singh, who guides him to King's quarters. The narrative hints at unfolding mysteries surrounding Princess Yasmini and the enigmatic figure known as the Gray Mahatma, leading King into an exploration of Indian politics and spiritual matters. As King navigates this exotic landscape filled with dangers and magical elements, it becomes clear that he is part of something much larger than himself, setting the stage for an unfolding adventure steeped in the supernatural and political intrigue.
Talbot Mundy
Told in the East
"Told in the East" by Talbot Mundy is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story is set during the time of the British Raj in India and revolves around the character Sergeant William Brown, who is tasked with guarding a crossroads with a small contingent of men. As tensions rise, the story delves into themes of duty, colonialism, superstition, and the brewing rebellion that is about to engulf India. The opening of the book introduces us to the harsh Indian landscape, with Sergeant Brown managing his men as a blood-red sun sets. As the tale unfolds, we see Brown grappling with the presence of a mysterious and seemingly malevolent fakir who claims to have the power to curse him. As Brown maintains order amidst a growing sense of unease, he encounters unsettling prophecies of impending bloodshed, hinting at the larger unrest that looms in the background. The tension escalates as Brown's rigid adherence to duty puts him at odds with the chaos around him, presaging the tumultuous events of the rebellion that is about to erupt. Throughout this opening, Mundy sets the stage for a gripping exploration of the intricacies of colonial rule and the myriad of forces at play within it.
Rudyard Kipling
The Second Jungle Book
"The Second Jungle Book" by Rudyard Kipling is a collection of stories published in 1895. This sequel features five tales of Mowgli's adventures in the Indian jungle, alongside three unrelated stories set mostly in India. Mowgli faces challenges including revenge against a superstitious village, a deadly pack of wild dogs threatening his wolf family, and the confusing pull of approaching adulthood. Each story explores the laws of nature and the bond between humans and animals.
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