The best Sudha Murty books aren’t just for children—there’s an entire collection of thoughtful, warm, and eye-opening books that speak directly to mature readers. If you’ve been hunting for book recommendations that offer real-life reflections, strong character arcs, and stories grounded in Indian life, this list is for you.
This list is particularly useful for someone just discovering her work beyond her kids’ titles. These books offer inspiring yet simple writing for anyone who enjoys a good story without literary frills.
Sudha Murty is one of India’s most beloved writers, known for her ability to simplify complex ideas into relatable, emotionally resonant stories. But she’s more than just an author. She’s a philanthropist, teacher, and chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Her work spans grassroots development, education, and women’s empowerment.
She’s also a qualified engineer (the first female engineer hired by TATA Motors!) and is married to N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys. For a closer look into their life together, check out the book An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy.
While Sudha Murty is well-known for her children’s books (you can find our recommendation of Sudha Murty’s children’s books here), today we focus on her books for grown-ups—ones that explore life’s quiet complexities with depth and grace.
13 Best Sudha Murty Books for Mature Readers
Genre: Fiction / Contemporary drama
In her latest work, five students meet at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, in 1999 and form a deep, lasting friendship. Coming from vastly different backgrounds, they dream big, stumble often, and support one another through the rollercoaster of youth. In 2024, they reunite, and their reflections reveal stories of ambition, compromise, success, heartbreak, and everything in between. Thoughtful and nostalgic, this book is about friendship, perseverance, and the quiet reckoning that comes with age.
Genre: Memoir / Real-life stories
Sudha Murty shares deeply personal stories from her life as a social worker and educator, especially her pioneering work with the devadasi community. Each chapter introduces a new real-life hero—unsung, selfless, and utterly unforgettable. From a boy who teaches himself English to a woman who starts life over in her sixties, these stories highlight the human spirit’s resilience. Her storytelling brings dignity to lives that are often ignored. It’s raw, honest, and endlessly inspiring.
Genre: Fiction / Drama
This book brings together two powerful novellas—one featuring Venkatesh, who learns of a half-brother born from his father’s secret relationship, and another about Mukesh, who discovers he was adopted and sets off to find his birth mother. Both men are suddenly thrust into emotional turmoil. As each search for the mother they never knew, they must confront questions of identity, loyalty, and the pain of the past. What unfolds is a moving exploration of what it means to be a son—and whether love is defined by biology or by the bond built over time.
Genre: Fiction / Inspirational
Anupama’s life turns upside down after she is diagnosed with leukoderma. Abandoned by her husband and ostracised by society, she moves to Bombay where she builds a new life from scratch. This is a story of survival—not just from an illness, but from societal judgment and internalised shame. Through Anupama, Murty critiques classism and beauty standards without sounding preachy. It’s a story of rising again, filled with quiet feminist strength and hope.
Genre: Real-life anecdotes
Fifty stories that reflect the contradictions of the human condition—from compassion to cruelty, selfishness to sacrifice. Drawn from Murty’s travels and NGO work, each story is a little mirror into Indian society. The tone is non-judgemental, letting readers arrive at their own conclusions. Whether it’s a rich man who refuses to cremate his father or a stranger who helps in unexpected ways, these tales pack an emotional punch. Perfect for readers who enjoy moral complexity wrapped in real simplicity.
Genre: Memoir / Short pieces
These autobiographical vignettes blend humour, empathy, and hard truths. Each story is like a conversation with a friend who has seen the best and worst of the world. Murty discusses everything from superstition in villages to conversations with housemaids in urban flats. There’s a quiet depth to how she observes people, especially women, across class and region. This book is ideal for those who want reflective reading in short bursts—light on the surface but emotionally rich beneath.
Genre: Fiction / Relationship drama
The story of Mridula and Sanjay begins in a small Karnataka town and moves to the big city, where ambition drives a wedge between love and values. As Sanjay chases success, Mridula finds herself questioning what truly matters in life. Murty paints a believable portrait of a modern Indian marriage—subtle shifts, emotional neglect, and the loneliness that can exist even within partnerships. It’s a character-driven story that invites empathy and quiet introspection.
Genre: Fiction / Family drama
This book critiques the glorification of NRIs and “foreign lives” through the eyes of a typical middle-class family in India. Gouramma, the matriarch, is blinded by the material wealth of her “Dollar Bahu” in the US, ignoring her devoted daughter-in-law in India. The story takes unexpected turns, especially when Gouramma visits America herself. Murty unpacks themes of family dynamics, cultural hypocrisy, and emotional neglect, making it a great read for older readers who’ve seen or experienced similar dynamics.
Genre: Fiction / Quiet tragedy
Shrimati and Shrikant were childhood sweethearts, but their marriage starts to unravel when Shrikant’s career overshadows everything else. Shrimati, once a bright student, finds herself ignored and emotionally abandoned. Through her quiet rebellion, Sudha Murty raises powerful questions about sacrifice, ambition, and self-identity. The tone is restrained yet moving, perfect for readers who appreciate slow-building emotional arcs. A must-read for anyone exploring themes of lost love and reclaiming self-worth.
Genre: Non-fiction / Essays
This book offers short, real-life sketches collected from remote villages, busy cities, and all the spaces in between. The title piece—about an old man’s philosophical take on faith—sets the tone for the rest of the book. Whether it’s about a man who donates all his savings or a woman running a roadside eatery with pride, each chapter celebrates quiet courage. The stories are humble but deeply moving, perfect for thoughtful evening reading.
Genre: Short stories / Inspirational
This book brings together 20 real-life stories from people across India, curated by Sudha Murty. Each story was selected for its emotional impact, be it a story of redemption, courage, or a life turned around by a small act of kindness. Sudha Murty’s introductions to each story help ground them in a broader social context. It’s an uplifting read that restores faith in humanity—ideal for mature readers who enjoy narratives rooted in hope.
Genre: Non-fiction / Essays
This book focuses on ordinary people doing quietly exceptional things. There’s an inspiring story about a tea-seller educating his entire village, and another about a housewife starting her own venture post-retirement. Murty shows how simple determination and kindness can lead to great change. Each chapter is written with clarity and warmth, making it both motivational and easy to read. Perfect for grown-up readers who want short but substantial content.
Sudha Murty books remind us that everyday lives are rich with meaning. Her writing proves that you don’t need complexity to create impact.
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