How can one identify the best Indian postcolonial novels?

You can start by looking at awards and critical acclaim. Novels that have won major literary awards like the Booker Prize often have strong postcolonial themes. For example, 'Midnight's Children' won the Booker. Also, look for books that explore the cultural, social, and political changes in formerly colonized countries. 'Things Fall Apart' does this really well for Nigeria. Another way is to check if the novel challenges the dominant colonial narratives. 'Wide Sargasso Sea' does this by re - imagining the story of Bertha Mason from a postcolonial perspective.

Another approach is to note the lines that create a strong emotional impact. Whether it's a line that makes you feel sad, happy, or angry, it's likely to be a significant line. Indian novels are often rich in emotions, and the best lines are those that can stir the reader's emotions deeply. For example, a line about a mother's love in the face of great adversity can be a very powerful and thus one of the best lines in the novel.

One of the best is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It weaves a complex and magical tale around the birth of India and Pakistan. The characters are deeply intertwined with the historical events of the post - colonial era. Another great one is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It delves into themes of caste, love, and family in the context of postcolonial Kerala. And 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is also notable for its portrayal of postcolonial Indian society in the process of finding new identities.

You can start by looking at the setting. If it's clearly in an Indian context, with mentions of Indian places, it's a clue. Also, check for the use of Indian words or phrases in the English text. The themes often revolve around Indian society, like caste or family relations. So, if you see these in a novel written in English, it might be an Indian English novel.

You can start by looking at reviews from respected literary critics. They often have in - depth analysis of novels that break the traditional mold. For example, if a novel is constantly mentioned in top - tier literary magazines as being innovative in terms of structure or narrative style, it's likely an experimental novel worth checking out.

You can start by looking at classic literature. Often, novels that deal with themes of identity, duality, and the self are likely to have doppelganger elements. For example, if a story has a character who seems to have a split personality or a mirror - image rival, it might be a good candidate. Check out reviews as well. If other readers mention elements of doubling or doppelgangers in their reviews, it's a sign.

Well, one way is to look at how well they depict the cultural elements. If a novel can vividly show the values, traditions, and social norms of a particular culture, it's a good start. For example, if it's a historical culture, it should accurately portray the clothing, language, and daily life of that time.

You can identify the best plotted novels by the way the author builds suspense. In 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier, the mystery surrounding the first Mrs. de Winter keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the book. Also, the development of characters in relation to the plot is important. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', as Dorian's character deteriorates due to his immoral actions, the plot thickens and becomes more complex. The ability of the plot to hold your attention from beginning to end is a key indicator as well.

Another way is to check for stories that involve the unique human experiences in the polar regions. Such as survival stories, tales of exploration, or how people interact with the native cultures there. Novels that can convey the sense of isolation, the harshness of life, and the beauty of the polar landscapes at the same time are likely to be among the best. For instance, novels about early polar expeditions that show the determination and struggles of the explorers.

Look for novels that have multiple narrators or voices. For instance, if a book switches between different characters' points of view frequently and each voice has its own distinct personality and perspective, it's likely to be polyphonic.