6+ Favorite Books Set in Asia (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books set in Asia (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Wind Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami
$10.45

In Wind Up Bird Chronicles, Haruki Murakami tells the story of Toru Okada, a Tokyo man on a quest to find his missing cat and wife. As he searches, he meets an odd cast of characters and dives into a surreal underworld. The book explores themes of alienation, loneliness, and the quest for identity, suggesting we all try to make sense of life’s chaos. I find Murakami's work captivating, even if it’s undeniably strange. However, I struggle to recommend it to others due to its unique weirdness—it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of read.
Pros:
Unique blend of setting, character, and themes
Captivating exploration of alienation and identity
Murakami's distinctive style creates a compelling reading experience
Cons:
Murakami's weirdness may alienate some readers
Difficult to recommend his books to others
Weirdness might compromise the magic of his storytelling
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02/01/2026 10:01 am GMT
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
$9.74

In Norwegian Wood, Haruki Murakami tells the story of Toru Watanabe, a college student in Tokyo grappling with the aftermath of his best friend's suicide and his complicated feelings for two women, Naoko and Midori. The book dives into heavy themes like love, grief, and existentialism, all wrapped in a nostalgic atmosphere. I find Murakami's style captivating, even if I can’t quite explain why. However, his quirks can be off-putting; I wouldn’t easily recommend his work. Still, there's a unique magic in his weirdness that I can’t ignore.
Pros:
Captivating mix of setting and character
Explores deep themes like love, loss, and existentialism
Murakami's unique style keeps me coming back for more
Cons:
Murakami's weirdness may not appeal to everyone
Difficult to recommend his books to others
Weirdness might compromise the magic of his stories
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02/01/2026 07:04 am GMT
In The Shadow of The Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
$10.95

In In The Shadow of The Banyan, Vaddey Ratner shares a gripping story rooted in her family's experiences during Cambodia's tragic Khmer Rouge genocide. The narrative follows Raami, a seven-year-old princess, as her privileged life crumbles amidst civil war, forcing her and her family to navigate unimaginable hardships. I really appreciated the vivid setting, even if the historical backdrop is heavy. The book dives into themes of power, love, and class, but be warned—it’s quite sad, so you’ll want to be in the right mindset to tackle it. Overall, it's a tough yet powerful read.
Pros:
The novel is based on a true story, adding depth.
The geographic setting is well depicted.
It explores important themes like power and guilt.
Cons:
It's sad, so you need to be in the right mood to enjoy it.
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02/01/2026 06:03 am GMT
Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald
$6.99

In Holy Cow, Sarah MacDonald shares her spiritual journey through India, sparked by a cow in New York who dreams of the country where cows are revered. The book offers a colorful exploration of India’s rich tapestry of religions and traditions, from Hinduism to Sikhism, and even Bollywood. I loved how Sarah immerses herself in different practices, tackling life's big questions along the way. The book captures India’s chaos and beauty perfectly, making it an enjoyable read. Honestly, I didn't find anything to dislike—it’s a fun and enlightening travel memoir that really showcases India's diversity!
Pros:
Excellent travel book through India
Shows India's diversity
Transformative personal experiences
Cons:
Nothing - fun read.
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02/01/2026 03:02 am GMT
Lost On Planet China by Maarten Troost
$12.35

In Lost On Planet China, Maarten Troost shares his amusing and insightful adventures in China, blending humor with observations about the country's rich culture and history. I found his writing style engaging, filled with funny anecdotes that are respectful and thoughtful. While he touches on serious topics like politics and the treatment of Tibet, the heart of the book is his travel experiences. However, I felt this was his weakest work since he’s just visiting rather than immersing himself in the culture like in his other books. Still, it’s an entertaining read worth picking up!
Pros:
Troost's writing style is witty and engaging.
The book provides humorous anecdotes with context.
It covers a range of topics about Chinese culture, history, and cuisine.
Cons:
This is Troost's weakest book compared to his others.
The focus is more on travel experiences than on living in China.
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02/01/2026 03:02 am GMT
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
$7.64

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo offers a vivid glimpse into life in a Mumbai slum, focusing on a year of struggle for local families post-2008 financial crisis. I found Boo’s writing engaging and fast-paced, with well-drawn characters that made the story captivating. However, I wished for more background info and clearer character reminders, as I got a bit lost along the way. Ultimately, the book taught me that in a diverse country like India, no single story can encapsulate the whole. I highly recommend it for anyone curious about India or looking for a compelling narrative.
Pros:
The writing was fast-paced, descriptive, and engaging.
The characters were all interesting.
The setting changed a lot despite being in one neighborhood.
The narrative was well-structured and flowed well.
Cons:
The book had background information, but not enough for me.
There weren’t enough signals to remind me of the characters, leading to confusion.
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02/01/2026 06:01 am GMT
The Glass Kingdom by Lawrence Osborne
$19.99

In The Glass Kingdom by Lawrence Osborne, we follow Sarah Mullins, an American on the run in Bangkok with stolen cash. The story unfolds in a luxurious apartment complex called the Kingdom, where Sarah mingles with a group of glamorous ex-pats while political turmoil brews outside. The tension escalates as strange happenings spark paranoia among the residents, turning what seemed like a safe haven into a trap. I absolutely loved this book! It’s fast-paced, with rich characters and a vivid setting that took me back to my own experiences in Southeast Asia. Honestly, I couldn’t find anything I didn’t enjoy.
Pros:
Darkly atmospheric setting in Bangkok
Fast-paced and intriguing narrative
Well-rounded characters
Cons:
Nothing - brilliant novel.
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02/01/2026 07:03 am GMT
The Ballad of a Small Player by Lawrence Osborne
$14.99

In The Ballad of a Small Player, Lawrence Osborne takes us into the gritty world of Macau's gambling scene through the eyes of Doyle, an English con man hiding from his past. The novel blends addiction and psychological tension, drawing comparisons to authors like Graham Greene. While Osborne's vivid descriptions bring the casinos to life, I found Doyle himself a bit dull and unlikable, which dampened my overall enjoyment. Despite this, the unique setting and engaging narrative kept me interested, though I prefer some of Osborne's other works more.
Pros:
Captivating narrative set in the unique backdrop of Macau's gambling scene
Engaging exploration of addiction and psychological thriller elements
Vivid descriptions that bring the setting to life
Cons:
The main character is boring and not likable
I prefer Osborne's other books more
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02/01/2026 09:00 am GMT
The Elephant Vanishes: Stories (Vintage International)
$9.99

The Elephant Vanishes is a short story collection by Haruki Murakami that showcases his best qualities—exploring inner life through mundane details that edge into magical realism. The collection format works perfectly for his style, offering concentrated doses without the meandering of his longer novels. It's especially resonant for modern urban life, capturing isolation and the uncanny brilliantly. Essential Murakami and a great starting point for new readers.
Pros:
Explores psychological depth through small, everyday moments
Collection format provides concentrated Murakami without sprawl
Captures modern isolation and urban disconnection perfectly
Cons:
Stories don't tie up neatly—frustrating if you want resolution
Won't convert you if his detached style doesn't work for you
Same polarizing qualities as all his work
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02/01/2026 05:01 pm GMT
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid
$7.77

In How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, Mohsin Hamid explores the journey of self-improvement and ambition set against the backdrop of South Asia. I was blown away by how quickly the story pulls you in, making you see life through the protagonist's eyes. The unique second-person narrative and self-help format add a fresh twist that really works. Honestly, I loved everything about it—it's modern, engaging, and incredibly readable. My only complaint? It had to end! If you're after a great read, this one's a must-have.
Pros:
The book draws you in quickly and offers a new perspective.
It's written in 2nd person, enhancing reader immersion.
The structure is unique, resembling a self-help book while telling a narrative.
It's rich, relevant, and very readable.
Cons:
It ended!
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02/01/2026 07:02 am GMT