All of these stories portray cultural nuances and explore how the migrant experience shape our identity. They speak to the need for diverse narratives, and for the voices of women of color – especially those with recent immigrant histories – to be heard.

Brick Lane by Monica Ali

Through the eyes of two Bangladeshi women, the plain Nazneen and the prettier Hasina, we see the divergent paths of two sisters as one elopes to a “love marriage,” and the other is pledged to a much older man living in London.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

This graphic memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution is wise, funny, and heartbreaking, both a story of growing up and a reminder of the cost of war and political repression.

Deranged Marriage by Sushi Das

An affectionate, hilarious memoir about growing up in 1970s London in a traditional Indian household, whilst avoiding an arranged marriage. A book about growing apart, coming together, learning to live with tradition and bringing your parents into the modern world.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri 

The story of the Ganguli family, from their traditional life in Calcutta through their fraught transformation into Americans. A book about the defining power of the expectations of our parents, and the way we struggle to define ourselves.

Gifted by Nikita Lalwani

Long listed for the Man Booker Prize, Gifted is the story of a young Indian girl and her parents’ intense campaign to make her the youngest student ever accepted into Oxford.