50 pages • 1 hour read
The Buddha of Suburbia
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
288
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1970s
1990
Adult
18+ years
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
19,599 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
19,599 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1970s
1990
Adult
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.