Recs if you like Bangkok Wakes to Rain...

Influential literature from across Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam.

Often overshadowed by East Asian lit, these works are rich and diverse in theme, style, philosophical and religious influence, folklore and indigenous wisdom.

I’ve tried to include at least one historical work (mid-20th century and earlier) and one modern classic from each country. Works listed by country in the comments!

Recs welcome as always :)

An on-going attempt to track Asian authors in my Interested/TBR (and hopefully Finished) categories. Books are generally fiction/lit fic/fantasy with some memoirs. Authors span West to East Asia, the Asian diaspora, and mixed-race folx.

east & south east asian literary fiction beyond murakami.

timeless modern classics – 20th century onwards – exploring universal themes like identity, morality and society.

these books capture elements of the uniquely beautiful symbolism, tones and rhythms that characterise asian languages and culture.

very much open to recs for expansion. (one book per author, typically their most renowned)

a comprehensive list of books from each country in asia including books I want to read and have read! some countries have multiple books listed, but for starters each will have at least 1.

Fiction books set in Thailand

Open to recs!!

Books to fulfill you reading around the world challenge. Ideally, the author is from the country they are writing about. Bonus points if it’s translated!

Fiction that deals with climate change. Books may take place in the world as we know it, in the near future, or in fictional worlds experiencing climate change.

Books that span epic time periods including both historical and futuristic. Not time travel focussed but multiple time points from the past to the future.