Plot Summary

Londonstani

Gautam Malkani
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Londonstani

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

Book Brief

Gautam Malkani

Londonstani

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 2000s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Londonstani by Gautam Malkani follows Jas, a young Londoner who joins a group of materialistic Sikh and Hindu rudeboys. As Jas navigates his social circle, he becomes involved in illegal activities, struggles academically, and develops a complex relationship with a Muslim girl, Samira. The novel delves deeply into issues of identity, cultural expectations, and belonging within an urban British-Indian subculture. Topics explored include illegal activities, suicide, and interpersonal conflict.

Gritty

Mysterious

Unnerving

Challenging

Informative

Reviews & Readership

3.7

1,707 ratings

46%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

19%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Gautam Malkani's Londonstani offers a gritty, insider look at British-Asian youth culture, praised for its authentic dialogue and dynamic portrayal of identity struggles. While some applaud its fresh narrative voice and social commentary, others find the excessive slang and chaotic plot challenging. Overall, it's a bold, if polarizing, debut.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Londonstani?

Readers who enjoyed White Teeth by Zadie Smith or The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz will appreciate Londonstani by Gautam Malkani for its vibrant portrayal of multicultural London, blending street slang with social tension and exploring identity amidst youth subcultures.

3.7

1,707 ratings

46%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

19%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 2000s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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