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The Buddha of Suburbia

By Hanif Kureishi
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi is a coming-of-age novel about Karim, a mixed-race teenager in 1970s London, who navigates identity, culture, and ambition. With his father becoming a spiritual guru, Karim finds himself surrounded by an eclectic cast of characters as he explores love, celebrity, and self-discovery against the backdrop of England’s social and political upheaval. The novel combines humour and insight to explore themes of personal freedom and the complexity of multicultural life.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in coming-of-age stories that explore themes of identity and multiculturalism in 1970s Britain. It offers a humorous and insightful look at the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and cultural differences. If you're drawn to witty and sharp social commentary, this novel could be a delightful read for you.

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Hanif Kureishi's first novel, The Buddha of Suburbia is the bizarre, often hilarious and totally original picture of the life of a young Pakistani man growing up in 1970s Britain.

'Utterly irreverent and wildly improper, but also genuinely touching and truthful. And very funny indeed.' Salman Rushdie

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

My name is Karim Amir, and I am an Englishman born and bred, almost...

The hero of Hanif Kureishi's debut novel is dreamy teenager Karim, desperate to escape suburban South London and experience the forbidden fruits which the 1970s seem to offer. When the unlikely opportunity of a life in the theatre announces itself, Karim starts to win the sort of attention he has been craving β€” albeit with some rude and raucous results.

With the publication of The Buddha of Suburbia, Hanif Kureishi landed into the literary landscape as a distinct new voice and a fearless taboo-breaking writer. The novel inspired a ground-breaking BBC series featuring a soundtrack by David Bowie.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi has been praised for its witty and insightful exploration of identity and multiculturalism in 1970s Britain. Reviewers often commend Kureishi's skillful blend of humour and social commentary, capturing the complexities of adolescence and race. The narrative's vibrant characters and their interconnected lives provide a vivid snapshot of suburban life, resonating with readers for its authentic voice and timeless themes.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571333547

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 May 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main - Re-issue

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 253g

Pages: 304

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Hanif Kureishi Literary Fiction

About the Author

Hanif Kureishi grew up in Kent and studied philosophy at King's College London. His novels include The Buddha of Suburbia, The Black Album, Intimacy and The Last Word. His screenplays include My Beautiful Laundrette, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay, Sammy and Rosie Get Laid and Le Week-End. He has also published several collections of short stories. He has been awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and been translated into thirty six languages.

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