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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Commonwealth Day on March 10, 2025, honors the literary contributions of authors from its 56 member nations, with works like Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things” and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” showcasing the rich diversity and universal resonance of Commonwealth storytelling.
Commonwealth Day
Commonwealth Day, observed on March 10, 2025, is a time to reflect on the shared history, diversity, and cultural richness of the 56 member nations of the Commonwealth. One of the most profound ways to explore this global community is through its literature. From the Caribbean to the Pacific, from Africa to South Asia, Commonwealth authors have gifted the world with stories that resonate with universal themes while remaining deeply rooted in their unique contexts.
Below, we recommend a selection of books by authors from Commonwealth countries—perfect reads to honor the spirit of unity in diversity this Commonwealth Day.
Commonwealth Authors To Read
1. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (India)
India, a cornerstone of the Commonwealth, has produced some of the world’s most celebrated literary voices, and Arundhati Roy stands tall among them. Her debut novel, The God of Small Things, won the Booker Prize in 1997 and remains a modern classic. Set in Kerala, the story weaves a poignant tale of family, caste, and forbidden love through the eyes of twins Rahel and Estha. Roy’s lyrical prose and unflinching exploration of societal norms make this a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of postcolonial India.
2. Half Of A Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has become a global literary icon, and Half of a Yellow Sun is a masterful work that captures the heartbreak and resilience of the Biafran War (1967–1970). Through the lives of three characters—twin sisters Olanna and Kainene and the houseboy Ugwu—Adichie crafts a narrative that is both an intimate family drama and a searing commentary on war and identity. This book is a powerful testament to Nigeria’s place in the Commonwealth’s literary canon.
3. The Bone People by Keri Hulme (New Zealand)
Keri Hulme’s The Bone People, winner of the 1985 Booker Prize, is a haunting and unconventional novel from New Zealand. Blending Māori and European influences, the story follows Kerewin, a reclusive artist, Simon, a mute boy, and Joe, his foster father, as they navigate trauma, healing, and cultural identity. Hulme’s poetic style and deep connection to Aotearoa’s landscapes make this a standout contribution to Commonwealth literature.
4. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje (Canada/Sri Lanka)
Born in Sri Lanka and later a Canadian citizen, Michael Ondaatje bridges two Commonwealth nations in his exquisite storytelling. The English Patient, which won the Booker Prize in 1992 and inspired an Oscar-winning film, is a lyrical exploration of love, war, and memory. Set during World War II, it follows four characters in an Italian villa, including the enigmatic “English patient,” whose past unravels in poetic fragments. Ondaatje’s work is a reminder of the Commonwealth’s interconnected histories.
5. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys (Dominica/UK)
Jean Rhys, born in Dominica and later a resident of the UK, reimagines the life of Bertha Mason, the “madwoman in the attic” from Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, in Wide Sargasso Sea. This postcolonial masterpiece explores race, gender, and displacement in the Caribbean, giving voice to a character silenced in the original text. Rhys’s haunting prose and vivid evocation of Dominica’s landscapes make this a vital read for Commonwealth Day.
6. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (India)
Another gem from India, Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger (Booker Prize, 2008) offers a darkly satirical take on modern India’s class struggles. Narrated by Balram Halwai, a village boy turned entrepreneur, the novel exposes the underbelly of India’s economic boom with biting wit and unflinching honesty. Adiga’s voice is fresh and provocative, making this a compelling addition to any Commonwealth reading list.
7. Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee (South Africa)
South African author J.M. Coetzee, a Nobel Laureate, delivers a stark and introspective narrative in Disgrace, which won the Booker Prize in 1999. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, the novel follows David Lurie, a disgraced professor, as he confronts personal and societal reckoning. Coetzee’s spare, powerful prose tackles themes of guilt, redemption, and transformation, reflecting South Africa’s complex journey within the Commonwealth.
8. The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo (Malaysia)
From Malaysia, Yangsze Choo’s The Night Tiger blends historical fiction with mysticism. Set in 1930s colonial Malaya, the novel follows Ji Lin, a dressmaker, and Ren, a young houseboy, as their lives intertwine around a severed finger, a weretiger legend, and a series of mysterious deaths. Choo’s evocative storytelling brings Malaysia’s lush landscapes and multicultural heritage to life, offering a captivating read for Commonwealth Day.
9. The Inheritance Of Loss by Kiran Desai (India)
Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss, which won the Booker Prize in 2006, explores the lingering effects of colonialism and globalization. Set in the Himalayan foothills of India and New York, the novel intertwines the lives of a retired judge, his granddaughter Sai, and an undocumented immigrant, Biju. Desai’s tender yet incisive narrative captures the personal and political upheavals that echo across the Commonwealth.
10. The Secret River by Kate Grenville (Australia)
Kate Grenville’s The Secret River delves into Australia’s colonial past, telling the story of William Thornhill, a convict-turned-settler, and his fraught encounters with the Indigenous Dharug people along the Hawkesbury River. This award-winning novel grapples with the moral ambiguities of settlement and the cost of survival, offering a poignant reflection on Australia’s history within the Commonwealth.
Why These Books Matter on Commonwealth Day
These works, spanning continents and generations, showcase the literary brilliance of the Commonwealth. They explore themes of identity, history, and resilience—values at the heart of this global community. Whether you’re drawn to the lush prose of Ondaatje, the sharp satire of Adiga, or the mystical allure of Choo, there’s a story here to inspire and challenge you.
This Commonwealth Day, pick up one of these books, or explore other voices from the 56 nations. Let literature be your bridge to understanding the shared yet diverse heritage of the Commonwealth. Happy reading!
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