50 pages • 1 hour read
Hanif KureishiA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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.
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.
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.
Historical Fiction
British Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Values/Ideas: Music
History: World
LGBTQ