The annual release of former US President Barack Obama's favourite books, films, and music is more than a personal share; it's a powerful cultural endorsement that can catapult artists to global fame. This year, his 2025 reading list has achieved something particularly special for Indian literature, bridging two celebrated generations of storytelling.
A Mother-Daughter Duo on a Presidential Shelf
For his 2025 list, Obama has selected works by both Anita Desai and her daughter, Kiran Desai. This rare joint recognition marks a significant moment, uniting two distinct literary voices from the same family. Salman Rushdie has famously called them "the first dynasty of modern Indian fiction," and their shared presence on Obama's list underscores this unique status.
Kiran Desai's Resonant New Novel
Kiran Desai's latest novel, 'The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny,' has been gathering critical acclaim. The book, which explores the lives of two Indians navigating love and migration in the United States, resonated deeply with readers and critics alike. It earned a place on the Booker Prize longlist, nearly 19 years after Kiran won the prestigious award for 'The Inheritance of Loss.' While it did not take home the prize this time, many have praised it as a contender for the title of the Great American Indian novel.
Anita Desai's Enduring Literary Journey
Her mother, the 88-year-old Anita Desai, continues her remarkable literary career with her newest novella, 'Rosarita.' The story follows a student who uncovers her mother's hidden past in Mexico. Despite being shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times, Anita Desai has never won the award. Her consistent excellence and this latest recognition from a global figure like Obama highlight her enduring contribution to fiction.
The Obama Effect on Indian Arts
This is not the first time Obama's taste has spotlighted Indian talent. In 2019, his inclusion of singer Prateek Kuhad's 'cold/mess' on his playlist made the artist a hot property overnight. The "Obama effect" thus extends beyond literature, proving his recommendations can significantly amplify reach and recognition.
While the fiction of Anita and Kiran Desai is notably different in style and theme, their concurrent appearance on Obama's 2025 bookshelf represents a quiet but undeniable literary milestone. It celebrates the depth and generational talent within Indian writing, introducing their work to a vast, international audience and cementing their place in the global literary conversation.
