logo

50 pages 1 hour read

The Buddha of Suburbia

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1990

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Hanif Kureishi

The Buddha of Suburbia

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1990
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi follows Karim Amir, a mixed-race teenager in 1970s London, as he navigates identity, class, and race. Alienated at school and home, he dreams of an exciting life. When his father becomes the "Buddha of Suburbia" and leaves for London with Eva, Karim joins them, finding success in theater, grappling with his sexuality, and confronting fame.

Humorous

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Adventurous

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

19,599 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Hanif Kureishi's The Buddha of Suburbia offers a sharp, comedic exploration of identity and class in 1970s London. The novel's wit and cultural insights have garnered praise, though some critique its pacing and character depth. Despite its flaws, it remains a compelling read for its vibrant portrayal of suburbia's complexities.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Buddha of Suburbia?

Readers who enjoy The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi are typically drawn to coming-of-age stories set against diverse cultural backgrounds, akin to White Teeth by Zadie Smith. They appreciate themes of identity, integration, and societal critique, set in a vivid depiction of 1970s London.

3.8

19,599 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Karim Amir

The central character and narrator, an English-Indian young man seeking identity and belonging, who explores his interests and ambitions mainly through acting.

Karim's father, an Indian immigrant who works as a civil servant in England and later becomes known for his role as a meditation guru, the "Buddha of suburbia."

Karim’s English mother, who manages the household and works tirelessly to support her family, often feeling overwhelmed by her husband's involvement in Eastern philosophy.

A charismatic and ambitious woman, she is Haroon's partner and plays a significant role in supporting Karim's entry into the acting world.

Karim’s strong-willed and independent best friend, who becomes more assertive and self-defining despite familial pressures.

Jamila's father and Haroon's friend, an Indian Muslim man who has strict expectations for his family but struggles with the consequences of asserting his authority.

Eva's son and Karim's idol, he transforms into a punk rock star and represents the allure and pitfalls of fame and identity exploration.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.