The Buddha of Suburbia – Hanif Kureishi

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Chosen by Rachel

The Buddha of Suburbia is a satirical coming-of-age story that deals with class, race, and identity. Haroon, is a first generation immigrant who begins a relationship with a woman named Eva who shares his interest in Buddhism. Eva encourages Haroon to share his outlook with others, turning him into the Buddha of Suburbia. Karim, half Indian, half English, accompanies his father to the early meetings because he has a crush on Eva’s son, Charlie. Herein starts Karim’s introduction to an adult world full of renegade theatre directors, punk rock stars, fancy parties, and all the sex a young man could desire.

Maybe you never stop feeling like an eight-year-old in front of your parents. You resolve to be your mature self, to react in this considered way rather than that elemental way, to breathe evenly from the bottom of your stomach and to see your parents as equals, but within five minutes your intentions are blown to hell, and you’re babbling and screaming in rage like an angry child.

❚ “A contemporary story that strikes a chord on many levels. There is no great plot, or surprise ending but Kureishi poignantly details British attitudes towards foreigners, as well as strongly held opinions on race, politics and sexuality. As a non-Brit I enjoyed the ’70s UK education, especially the pop culture and politics. This story was a real journey.” – Rachel

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Published 1990
Faber & Faber
288 pages