Top 11 Nepali Books That Everyone Must Read
The Nepalese literary scene has seen quite a lot of great books over the years. With so much to choose from, one may easily get indecisive. As an avid reader, I know the struggles of choosing the next book to read and the disappointment of reading a waste-of-time book. And I also know the joy of reading great evocative books. As such, I have prepared a list of 11 top Nepali Books by the prominent figures of Nepalese literature. The following list is in no particular order:
- Sirish Ko Phool
One of the most acclaimed books by a Nepalese writer, Sirish Ko Phool by Parijaat follows the life of Suyogbir, an ex-army man who fought against the Japanese soldiers in the Second World War. Parijat deftly tells the story of Suyogbir’s life during and after the war and the consequences of his activities. As Suyogbir deals with horrors from his past, he falls in love with Sakambari. However, this does not end well (you have to read to find out why). Set in Kathmandu and Japan, this is a tragic tale of love and loss.
- Palpasa Café
Narayan Wagle’s Madan Puraskar winning Palpasa Café is a gripping tale set during the Maoist Civil War. It portrays a vivid and horrifying description of the insurgency period and its effect on the common people. The horrors of the civil war feel life-like in this novel. The stakes are very real which adds to its authenticity. Furthermore, it is a story of a struggle for love in the midst of chaos.
- Seto Bagh
Seto Bagh is a historical biographical fiction that revolves around the life of Jagat Jung Rana, the eldest son of Jung Bahadur Rana. The novel set around the time of Jung Bahadur’s fall from power is, in the core, the story of love between Jagat Jung and the princess, the daughter of King Surendra Bikram Shah. Beyond love, however, this is a story of the struggle for power. As such massacre, bloodshed and betrayal are commonplace. This masterpiece by Diamond Sumsher takes you back in time.
- Radha
Radha is a metaphysical novel that starts with a real-life situation and delves into the world of fiction. In this novel, Krishna Dharabasi tells the story of Mahabharata from the perspective of Radha, who traditionally just serves as a love interest to Lord Krishna. Told from a female eye, Radha is a ground-breaking novel whose plot resembles the situation of Nepalese women. With Radha, Dharabasi brings to life the Radha that was, for so long, suppressed and negated by our culture. Here, unlike in the Mahabharat, Radha exists on her own.
- Jaye Bhundi
A collection of 10 satirical essays including Jaye Bhundi, Mapain, Neta Number Ek Saye Ek, Bramha Ji Ko Prayogshalabata and several others, Jaye Bhundi transcends time. Its satirical prowess, humor and style are unrivaled to date. With Bhairav Aryal’s unique brand of satire and humor, Jaye Bhundi is one of the greatest books to come out of the Nepalese literary scene. Full of “Laugh Out Loud” moments and quotable lines, Jaye Bhundi is one book you will never get enough of. Those of you who have read Jaye Bholi and Aalu during your school years know what I am talking about.
- Muna Madan
Muna Madan is an epic, which describes the life of Madan, a young man who leaves his wife and family behind and goes to Lhasa to earn a living. It depicts his struggles in Lhasa and that of his family back home. Furthermore, the worthlessness of his struggles makes the story even more jarring. It is a tragic story of love and sacrifice. The story which is as relevant today as it was during its publication is considered to be the greatest work of Laxmi Prasad Devkota.
- Jeevan Kaada Ki Phool
A winner of the prestigious Madan Puraskar, Jeevan Kaada Ki Phool, is the autobiography of Jhamak Kumari Ghimire who was born with cerebral palsy. This book tells the story of her struggles in life due to her disability and how she overcame it to become a successful figure in Nepalese literature. Ghimire who, as a child, was doubted by everyone including family and friends, and was subjected to discrimination soulfully recounts her childhood struggles. A powerful story of struggle and perseverance, this one will have you inspired.
- Lu
Lu follows a young boy named Elaiya, who supposedly dies right at the beginning of the novel. As the story unfolds, the readers are taken through the highs and lows of Elaiya’s life. Through the mischievous Elaiya, Nayan Raj Pandey deftly portrays the devastating storms (Lu) faced by the people living around the southern border of Nepal. Both heart wrenching and hilarious, this book highlights the issues of border encroachment, the meddling in the lives of people by Indian police forces and gangsters, issues concerning inter-religious marriages, economic struggles, draught and lu (hot wind). This is an eye-opener in many ways.
- Seto Dharti
Amar Neupane’s Seto Dharti, the winner of 2012 Madan Puraskar, follows Tara and her struggles. Tara is a simple village girl who is married at the young age of seven. She is soon widowed after her husband dies in Benaras during his studies and is bound to live the rest of her life as a widow. Following the death of her husband, Tara returns to her paternal home and tries to erase the painful memories of the past. However, what follows is even more struggles. Set during 1850-1950 when child marriage was commonplace in Nepal, this novel portrays the bitter realities of Nepal during that period.
- China Harayeko Manche
China Harayeko Manche a.k.a. Hari Bansha Acharya is one of the most recognizable personalities of Nepal. As one-half of the famed Maha Jodi, Acharya has contributed a lot in the field of Nepalese entertainment industry. In this autobiography, Acharya has skilfully depicted his life as a child, the hardships, his rise to fame and struggles later in life. Full of humor and struggle, this book gives a valuable insight into one of Nepal’s favorite sons.
- Karnali Blues
Buddhi Sagar’s Karnali Blues depicts a story of a father’s struggles seen through his son’s eyes. It is a journey of a boy from childhood to adulthood and that of his altering view towards his father. The book takes the readers on an emotional roller coaster as the father-son relation face the test of time and age. Set in the Karnali region of western Nepal, it portrays the hardships faced by the people of the region.
