5 books recommended by Aditi Rao Hydari

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari, famous for her incredible performances in Indian cinema, is also an avid reader. Her literary choices reveal her love for stories with complex characters, rich cultural background, and thrilling psychological twists. Below are five books that Aditi recommended in a recent interview.

1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon

This novel is a unique blend of mystery and a coming-of-age story told through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy, Christopher, who has an unspecified autism-like condition. Aditi is likely to appreciate how the book offers an unconventional perspective, offering insight into how someone with different cognitive abilities navigates the world. Family dynamics, perception of reality, and difficulties in understanding social cues are central themes. It is a touching yet heartbreaking story that challenges readers to think differently about those who do not fit into societal norms.

2. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

Aditi’s interest in magical realism is reflected in this multi-generational family saga filled with politics, love, and mysticism. The lyrical prose and strong female characters are probably what draw her most to it. Power, memory, love, and the connection between the spiritual and real world dominate the narrative. Aditi can appreciate the way the novel weaves personal stories with historical events, creating a rich and immersive experience.

3. The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan

Aditi, known for celebrating cultural diversity, might be drawn to Joy Luck Club’s cross-cultural exploration. This novel delves into the relationships between Chinese-American women and their immigrant mothers, a topic that is likely familiar to her. Culture clash, mother-daughter relationships, and the search for identity are central themes. The novel offers a nuanced depiction of the immigrant experience, which Aditi may find relatable and thought-provoking.

4. The Kitchen God’s Wife by Amy Tan

Like Joy Luck Club, this novel also explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and cultural heritage, themes that Aditi finds fascinating. The strength of the female characters and their journeys might be what draws her to this book. The themes of survival, resilience, family bonds, and the impact of cultural dislocation are central to this novel. Aditi’s admiration for stories that explore strong female characters and complex family dynamics may explain her connection to this book.

5. Loss of Gillian Flynn

Aditi’s interest in psychological thrillers is evident in her recommendation of Gone Girl. The novel’s dark, twisted narrative and unpredictable characters likely appeal to her love of intense, emotionally charged stories. Deception, manipulation, gender dynamics, and the dark side of marriage are central themes. Aditi can appreciate how the novel dives deep into the psychology of its characters, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn.