The Buddha of Suburbia

by Hanif Kureishi

This is not really my usual type of thing, but this book was recommended by a friend who said I'd enjoy it, and she was right.

Kureishi writes a very convincing tale of a mixed Indian/British kid growing up in 70s London. Karim lacks goals or a plan, and is instead happy to kind of drift along, always on the look out for sexual opportunity. His father meets Eva, who encourages his 'spiritual' side, as he starts to experiment with his own brand of Buddhism, and then market it to the bored and lost of suburban London.

Eventually, Haroon, the father, leaves his wife, and Karim moves in to Eva's with him. From there, the new family works hard to position themselves into a higher level of society, as they engage with the arts community. Karim eventually gets into theatre, and begins to leave his family and family friends behind.

Kureishi's novel has a couple of clear strengths. He does an amazing job of depicting the aimlessness and confusion of youth. Karim struggles with many moral decisions, and his sense of distance from things is very truthful and feels accurate. The other strength is in the characters - Kureishi's characters brush up against some stereotypes - especially Anwar and Changez - but still become their own, fully realized individuals.

Normally I don't like reading British writers - the theme of class is brutal to me, but I did like this book.