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Book and Film Recommendations for Travelers Heading to Asia

A comprehensive list exploring stories connected to the region to explore culture, history, and landscapes, both before and during your travels.

Alexandra

Marketing Co-ordinator

Published on

26 Mar 2025

Updated on

31 Mar 2025

Introduction

If you're preparing for an adventure across Asia, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and unique landscapes of the continent is by exploring stories set in these regions. Whether you're an avid reader or a film buff, these recommendations will transport you to the heart of Asia's diverse destinations.

Novels

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

Set in the bustling streets of Bombay (now Mumbai), this novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the author’s time as an Australian fugitive in India. Shantaram follows the protagonist, Lin, as he navigates the gritty underworld of the city, filled with criminals, love affairs, and spiritual awakenings. The novel richly describes India’s chaotic beauty, its poverty, and the corruption embedded in its society.

Lost Horizon by James Hilton

This classic novel introduces the mystical land of Shangri-La, an idyllic and peaceful place hidden in the Himalayas. When a plane crashes in the mountains, the survivors stumble upon the hidden valley where time seems to stand still. The novel is a reflection on the search for peace in a world ravaged by war and chaos.

The Beach by Alex Garland

The protagonist, Richard, travels to Thailand seeking a secret paradise—a remote island where travellers live in harmony. However, his utopian dream soon turns into a nightmare as the dark undercurrents of human nature and idealism begin to surface. The novel critiques the notion of "paradise" while exploring themes of desire, isolation, and the consequences of living in a tourist-driven society.

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Set in 1920s Kyoto, this historical novel tells the story of Sayuri, a young girl sold to a geisha house, where she becomes one of Japan’s most famous geishas. The novel is an intricate portrait of geisha culture, blending beauty, sacrifice, and the complexity of relationships in Japanese society, particularly as Japan experiences rapid change during the early 20th century.

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel offers a moving depiction of rural China during the early 20th century. It follows Wang Lung, a poor farmer who rises to wealth through hard work and a deep connection to his land. The novel explores themes of survival, family, and the relationship between the individual and the earth.

Song of the Cuckoo Bird by Amulya Malladi

A dark and satirical novel that offers a sharp critique of India’s caste system, corruption, and societal struggles. The protagonist, Balram Halwai, starts as a poor servant and eventually rises to become a successful entrepreneur. Through his story, Adiga explores the moral complexities of the lower classes’ aspirations and the dark side of ambition.

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh

Set during the violent Partition of India in 1947, this novel captures the horror and human tragedy of the event. It follows the lives of people from both sides of the new border—Indian and Pakistani—whose lives are upended by political and religious conflict. The story is a poignant exploration of the violence, displacement, and personal anguish that accompanied the partition.

The Courtesan, the Mahatma & the Italian Brahmin by Manu Pillai

In The Courtesan, the Mahatma & the Italian Brahmin, Manu Pillai weaves together the lives of several fascinating individuals from India’s past. Through these characters, Pillai explores themes of love, politics, and colonialism, offering a rich narrative about the complexities of India's history and the often-overlooked stories of its people. The book provides a deep look at the intersection of cultural traditions and colonial legacies in shaping India’s past.

The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

Set in the northeastern region of India, this novel follows a group of characters as they confront loss, identity, and the effects of colonialism. The book won the Booker Prize and captures the sense of disillusionment that comes with living in a post-colonial world, as well as the deep sense of isolation felt by individuals facing a changing world.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

This Booker Prize-winning novel explores the lives of fraternal twins in Kerala, India, as they navigate the complexity of family, love, and society. It is a multi-layered narrative that dives into India’s history, its social hierarchy, and its traditions, while also blending magical realism and the darker side of Indian family life.

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

A magical realist novel that tracks the lives of children born at the exact moment of India’s independence from British rule. The narrative blends history, politics, and personal lives, offering a sweeping exploration of the country’s transition from colonialism to a newly independent state.

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth

Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy is a landmark novel set in post-independence India. Spanning 1,500 pages, it explores the lives of four families and intricately weaves themes of love, arranged marriage, politics, and cultural conflict. The novel is both sweeping in scope and intimate in its portrayal of individual lives, offering readers a deep dive into the complexity of modern India and the societal pressures that shape its people.

Historical

A History of South India by K.A. Nilakanta Sastri

K.A. Nilakanta Sastri’s A History of South India is a thorough exploration of the southern Indian region from ancient times. The book covers the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Cholas and Pandyas, and offers insights into the cultural, social, and political evolution of the region. Sastri’s work is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the historical and cultural significance of South India.

The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham

Basham’s The Wonder That Was India is a highly accessible exploration of the classical civilization of India, with a focus on the ancient period. It’s a captivating examination of India’s cultural achievements, including its art, religion, and intellectual accomplishments. The book does an excellent job of highlighting the splendour of India’s early civilisations without diving too deep into overly technical detail, making it an excellent read for both casual readers and students of Indian history.

India: A Wounded Civilization by V.S. Naipaul

In India: A Wounded Civilization, V.S. Naipaul offers a critical look at the psychological and cultural scars left by centuries of foreign rule, particularly the British colonial period. Naipaul’s perspective, which often challenges the idea of India’s unity and identity, provides a nuanced and candid analysis of the country’s struggles with modernization and self-reliance. His writing is incisive and engaging, offering a perspective that may challenge romanticized views of India’s past.

Films

Crazy Rich Asians by Jon M. Chu

This romantic comedy set in Singapore follows Rachel Chu, an Asian-American woman who discovers her boyfriend is from one of the wealthiest families in Asia. The film blends romance, humor, and a keen look at cultural expectations and the complexities of class within Asian societies, all while showcasing Singapore’s opulent lifestyle.

Queen by Vikas Bahl

This heartwarming film tells the story of Rani Mehra, a young woman from Delhi who is abandoned by her fiancé just before their wedding. She decides to go on her honeymoon alone to Europe, where she discovers herself and gains independence. The film explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal transformation.

Slumdog Millionaire by Danny Boyle

Set in Mumbai, this film follows Jamal Malik, a young man who wins India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The film uses flashbacks to reveal his troubled and tragic past, as he searches for his childhood love, Latika. It’s a gripping story about love, fate, and overcoming adversity.

Peepli Live by Anusha Rizvi

This satirical comedy tells the story of a farmer who decides to commit suicide in protest against government neglect, only to have the media turn it into a sensational news event. The film critiques India’s media and its tendency to exploit social issues for profit, while also exploring rural poverty and government indifference.

Rang De Basanti by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

A group of university students in India are inspired by the lives of freedom fighters after they participate in a documentary film. This movie blends modern youth culture with historical figures, exploring themes of patriotism, national identity, and political awakening in the face of corruption.

The Lunchbox by Ritesh Batra

Set in Mumbai, this film revolves around a lunchbox delivery mix-up, leading to a romantic correspondence between a lonely office worker and a neglected housewife. The movie beautifully portrays the connection between two strangers through their everyday lives and explores themes of love, loneliness, and hope.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Ang Lee

Set in Qing Dynasty China, this visually stunning martial arts film follows the quest for a stolen sword. It blends action, romance, and beautiful cinematography with profound philosophical reflections on duty, honor, and desire. The film earned international acclaim for its choreography and its exploration of love and sacrifice.

Conclusion

Books and films serve as a powerful gateway to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Asia’s diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes. Whether it's the gripping narrative of a memoir, the vivid storytelling of a novel, or the cinematic beauty of a film, these recommendations offer a deep connection to the heart of the continent. From the vibrant streets of Mumbai to the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, these stories not only transport you to Asia’s most iconic destinations but also reveal the complexities and nuances of its people and traditions. By exploring these works, travellers can gain a greater understanding of the places they’ll visit, enriching their journeys and creating lasting memories.

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