The following list are a bunch of books from East Asian authors that I highly recommend! A variety of genres and lengths for any reader :). Links are to Indigo for Canadian readers
A short story that made me reflect on the things I am lucky to have in this life
If Cats Disappeared from the World
A powerful novel about the power of language and colonialism. Really spoke to me given that the main character is from the same area as my family
Babel, or the Necessity of Violence
Murakami is famous for a reason. Kafka on the shore is my favourite from him
Kafka on the Shore
Adapted into a popular film due to its popularity and story
Pachinko (national Book Award Finalist)
Details a tragic historical moment in South Korean’s fight for democracy in a beautifully resonant way
Human Acts
An interesting read for a mature audience. Personal and tragic, but I couldn’t put it down
No Longer Human
Hauntingly beautiful novel with a twist
Never Let Me Go
An underrated gem that follows a Taiwanese family during an “incident” and the decades that come
Green Island: A Novel
Made me reflect on my relationship with my mother
Please Look After Mom
a story of contemporary womanhood in Japan
Breasts And Eggs: A Novel
A shorter story but with a thoughtful narrative of nostalgia and love
The Lantern of Lost Memories
A book about some hard subjects but so rewarding
Ghost Forest: A Novel
A must, emotional read
The Vegetarian
A fascinating story that builds on itself and will leave you hooked
