Stories That Stayed With Me
Over the past few years, I’ve made it a point to read more books by Indian authors—and it’s been one of the best decisions for my reading journey. Indian literature is incredibly diverse, as it includes historical sagas, reflective prose, and stories rooted in our social realities.
In this blog, I’m sharing the 7 best Indian books I read in the last three years—novels and collections that left a lasting impression on me.
If you’re looking for must-read Indian novels or simply want to explore modern Indian authors, this list is a great place to start. Along with each book overview, I’ve also linked my detailed Instagram reviews where I share personal reflections. (Not ranked in any particular orrder)
1. Dust Dancers by Sarthak Paliwal
“Dust Dancers” is a beautifully layered novel that explores what happens to characters after the curtains fall. Are they gone, or does their story continue behind the scenes? Set in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, it follows six individuals — Ustaad, Daka Singh, Mitha Lal, Vidushi, Anahita, and Gora Dev — whose lives intersect through a shared emotion: fear.
These characters are not just dancers or singers; they are dreamers, philosophers, romantics, and heartbroken souls navigating life. The novel examines the choices they make and how courage and hope persist even when life seems bleak.
Sarthak Paliwal paints each character with emotional depth, making them feel real and relatable. From forming a traditional dance group to confronting personal struggles, the story highlights resilience, creativity, and the human spirit’s ability to persevere.
What I found most compelling was the author’s ability to show that life’s challenges are universal, yet each person experiences them differently. This story about hope, courage, and interconnected lives stays with you long after the last page.
👉 Read my review on Instagram here.
2.
As Darkness Falls by Priyanka Mathur
“As Darkness Falls” is a collection of short thrillers set in diverse locations with unique characters and unpredictable twists. From a mysterious traveller to a highly intelligent dog and a camping trip gone unforgettable, each story is crafted to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The versatility of the plots is remarkable. While each story is different, all explore the unexpected and the unexplored. Priyanka Mathur’s writing is immersive, drawing readers into vivid scenes and suspenseful moments. The stories are concise yet linger in your mind long after you finish them.
I particularly enjoyed how each narrative reveals human nature under extraordinary circumstances. Some are psychological, some suspenseful, and some reflective, but all are thrilling. This collection proves that contemporary Indian thriller fiction can rival global storytelling standards.
👉 Read my review on Instagram here.
3. Mandeep Meets Mandeep by Sona Sharma
Based on true events, “Mandeep Meets Mandeep” blends mystery, destiny, and hope. Mandeep is living under a shadow of fatalism, counting his last days as tragedy seems inevitable. Unknown to him, each sip of water, morsel of food, and breath he takes is tainted with danger. But destiny intervenes in the form of a stranger who enters his life like a storm, providing not just answers, but a connection that changes everything.
The stranger shares not only a name but also a genetic link with Mandeep, creating a story that explores fate, science, and human connection. Sona Sharma builds suspense while grounding the story in emotional depth.
What makes this novel memorable is its balance of mystery and human emotion. It’s a story about survival, hope, and how one encounter can alter an entire life. If you enjoy real-life inspired narratives filled with human emotion, this book is a must-read.
👉 Read my review on Instagram here.
4. The Heart of Heartbeats by Utkarsh Saurabh
“Heart of Heartbeats” is reflective, exploring memory, love, and the subtle emotions shaping our lives. Utkarsh Saurabh invites readers on a personal journey, questioning what the heart truly feels and how memories influence who we are.
Themes of love, loss, longing, and the small moments that unexpectedly stir the soul are explored through evocative prose. Reading it feels like flipping through someone’s diary and finding pieces of yourself in it.
The book’s honesty and introspection make it a unique contemporary Indian collection. It encourages readers to pause, reflect, and perhaps rediscover forgotten parts of themselves. For anyone interested in emotion-driven literature, this book is a rare gem.
👉 Read my review on Instagram here.
5. The First Kiss by Vishnu Nair
This novel combines romance, suspense, and the unpredictability of life. Sunaina, Virat, and DCP Vikrant Sharma have their ordinary lives thrown into chaos after witnessing an event they were never meant to see. Danger lurks around every corner, driving tension and suspense throughout the story.
The narrative blends ordinary human experiences with extraordinary circumstances. Each character faces challenges that test courage, morality, and resilience. Nair’s writing is vivid and cinematic, making the story feel like a thriller unfolding on screen.
Beyond suspense, the novel examines trust, fear, and the human instinct for survival. If you enjoy stories that balance romance, thrill, and intense drama, “The First Kiss” is an engaging, page-turning read.
👉 Read my review on Instagram here.
6. Jashn: An Awakening by Geetika Bakshi
“Jashn: An Awakening” addresses social stigma and empowerment. Through Shubhavi and other women, the book explores the shame and judgment faced by those marginalized by society. From shoplifting to addiction, the novel highlights the challenges of living under constant surveillance and moral scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, the women strive to reclaim their voices and assert individuality. Geetika Bakshi’s storytelling is empathetic and compelling, encouraging readers to reflect on personal biases and societal norms.
It’s a story about resilience, courage, and awakening — both inspiring and thought-provoking.
👉 Read my review on Instagram here.
7.
Vectors in the Void by Giselle Mehta
This ambitious family saga intertwines personal histories with major historical events. Zara’s life begins amid India’s Freedom Struggle and is shaped by subsequent global and national upheavals. From the Holocaust and WWII in Europe to India’s Partition, the Sino-Indian conflict, and the Emergency, Zara navigates challenges with resilience and courage.
The novel explores family dynamics, societal changes, and maintaining personal identity amid external pressures. Characters are crafted with depth, and the narrative blends historical events with personal growth and family drama.
It’s a multi-layered story, emotionally resonant, and a compelling example of Indian historical fiction.
👉 Read my review on Instagram here.
Order the Books 📚
If any of these titles caught your attention, you can grab a copy here.
These seven books made my last three years of reading unforgettable. From thrillers and romances to social commentaries and historical sagas, they showcase the incredible range of Indian literature today.
If you’re searching for the best Indian books to read, I highly recommend giving these a try.
Don’t forget to check out my Instagram reviews for personal takeaways—they may help you decide which book to pick up first.