Recs if you like The Understory...

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 :)

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)

This is a list of translated books (to English ) from Deep Vellum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that chooses books to publish for their artistic and social value.

Fiction books set in Thailand

Open to recs!!

Books from every country for reading around the world challenge (no particular order, I might have missed some, will be updating) Feel free to suggest!

A list of books in translation that have been picked for Skunk Cabbage Books' Airplane Mode subscription! (I am not affiliated with Skunk Cabbage, I just like how they've curated this subscription so far!)