Sudha Murty Books | A List of 32 Books by Sudha Murty (Genre Wise)

List of Sudha Murty Books - Childrens Novels Fiction NonFiction Short Stories (2)

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Sudha Murty is a highly accomplished writer proficient in both English and Kannada. She has written novels, technical books, travelogues, collections of short stories, non-fictional pieces, and books for children.

Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages.

Murty was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006, and the Attimabbe Award from the government of Karnataka for excellence in Kannada literature in 2011. She has also been bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, the 3rd highest Indian civilian award in the year 2023.

In March 2024, she was nominated as the Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha by the President of India.

Murty is a notable philanthropist, author, educator, and former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation and a member of public healthcare initiatives of the Gates Foundation.

Murty is deeply involved in various social causes such as healthcare, education, empowering women, promoting public hygiene, supporting art and culture, and helping to alleviate poverty at the grassroots level.

Her vision of a library for each school has resulted in the setting up of 50,000 libraries so far. Through the Infosys Foundation, she has built 2,300 houses in the flood-affected areas.

Here, at bookGeeks we present to you a list of best Sudha Murty Books to read. Since the list comprises of books catering to different genres and different age groups, they have been categorized accordingly for our reader’s benefit.

List of Sudha Murty Books (Genre Wise)

List of Sudha Murty Books - Childrens Novels Fiction Non Fiction Short Stories

Novels by Sudha Murty

Here is the list of novels written by Sudha Murty.


1. Gently Falls the Bakula

Gently Falls the Bakula by Sudha Murty

In this book, Sudha Murty, quite reliably delves into the struggles of work ethics and modern lifestyle. The narrative follows the journey of a young couple, Shrikant and Shrimati, who belong to two hostile communities and fall in love.

After marriage, Srikant slowly and steadily starts rising up the corporate ladder. However, amidst his professional success, their married life begins to lose its charm and identity.


2. Mahashweta

Mahashweta Sudha Murty Books

Mahashweta is a tale of bravery and strength set in a world of deceit and false promises. It follows Anupama, whose life takes a drastic turn when her marriage crumbles due to her diagnosis of leukoderma.

Despite facing societal judgment and abandonment by her husband, she relocates to Bombay where she discovers success, earns respect, and reconstructs her life from the ground up. Anupama’s journey showcases resilience and will power amidst adversity.

Mahashweta21%
₹208.95

3. Dollar Bahu

Dollar Bahu by Sudha Murty

Dollar Bahu narrates the tale of Gauramma, her rich and affluent Dollar daughter-in-law Jamuna, and her other simpler daughter-in-law Vinuta. Gauramma’s preference for Jamuna’s wealth over Vinuta’s selfless care becomes evident in the story.

However, during a trip to America, Gauramma experiences the true essence of love, respect, and devotion. The story speaks of the havoc money can wreak on family dynamics when values are ignored, and on the importance of relationships over material wealth.


4. House of Cards

House of Cards by Sudha Murthy

House of Cards portrays the clash of the simplicity of village life and the complexity of city life. This is the story of Mridula, an energetic yet simple village girl who moves to Bangalore after her marriage to Sanjay, a doctor.  

The story is about their family life, and how they rise in status in the city, but begin to find differences in their relationship when Sanjay’s insatiable greed starts growing and he resorts to corrupt practices to make more and more money.


5. The Mother I Never Knew

The Mother I Never Knew by Sudha Murty

The Mother I Never Knew comprises two novellas that explore two quests by two different men, Venkatesh and Mukesh — both for mothers they never knew they had. The book is a poignant, dramatic book that reaches deep into the human heart to reveal what we really feel about those closest to us.

It asks if it’s truly feasible to reconcile with a reality as harsh and deceptive as that faced by Venkatesh and Mukesh.


Short Story Collection by Sudha Murty

Here is the list of Short Story Collections written by Sudha Murty.


1. The Bird with Golden Wings: Stories of Wit and Magic

The Bird with Golden Wings by Sudha Murthy

Delightful colour illustrations bring to life tales of magical creatures, princesses and kings, and ordinary witty men and women in this book, The Bird with Golden Wings. This collection of 21 short stories is another one of Sudha Murty’s priceless gifts to children conveying life lessons in a readable and relatable manner.


2. The Serpent’s Revenge: Unusual Tales from the Mahabharata

The Serpents Revenge by Sudha Murthy

In The Serpent’s Revenge, Sudha Murty reintroduces the fascinating world of India’s greatest epic, Mahabharata, through the extraordinary tales in this collection, each of which is sure to fill you with a sense of wonder and bewilderment.

Many of the tales in this book stand out – the story of Chandrahasa, that of Babruvahana (Arjuna’s son who kills his own dad), the golden mongoose, the story of Duryodhana’s good brother Vikarna and Ghatothkacha’s son Barbarika.


3. The Man from The Egg: Unusual Tales About the Trinity

The Man from the Egg by Sudha Murthy

In The Man from the Egg, Sudha Murty weaves enchanting tales of the three most powerful gods of India – the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

This book is a collection of wonderfully short, crisp stories that take us on a magical journey to a land of gods, demigods, asuras, rakshasas, handsome valiant princes, beautiful strong-willed princesses, learned sages, proud kings and a lot more!


4. The Upside-Down King: Unusual Tales about Rama and Krishna

The Upside Down King by Sudha Murthy

The Upside Down King is a collection of 23 short stories based on Indian mythology. It is divided into two halves- Tales from the life and lineage of Lord Ram, and tales from the life and lineage of Lord Krishna. After every tale, there is also a description of the place which is known for that story.

Bestselling author Sudha Murty takes you on an arresting tour, all the while telling you of the days when demons and gods walked alongside humans, animals could talk and gods granted the most glorious boons to common people.


5. The Daughter from A Wishing Tree

The Daughter from a Wishing Tree by Sudha Murthy

The Daughter from a Wishing Tree is the fourth book in Sudha Murty’s popular mythology series. It is divided into three parts and consists of twenty-four stories. The stories are about the important roles that women have played in our mythology.

Apart from the famous ones like Sita, Ganga and Draupadi, there are many other lesser-known characters like Ashokasundari, Shakambhari, Karambha etc.


6. The Sage with Two Horns: Unusual Tales from Mythology

Sage with Two Horns by Sudha Murty

The Sage with Two Horns is yet another masterful collection of stories of wit and wisdom from our mythology. There are stories about a handless sculptor, and a king who gave his flesh to keep his words to a pigeon, and about a throne which gives the power to deliver justice to anyone who sits on it. These stories are taken from many lesser-known mythological tales from our texts.


Non-fiction Books by Sudha Murty

Here is the list of non fiction books written by Sudha Murty.


1. Wise And Otherwise

Wise And Otherwise by Sudha Murty

Wise and Otherwise comprises fifty vignettes that recount real-life encounters of Sudha Murty during her travels. Through these anecdotes, she shares moments spent with ordinary people and extraordinary minds, each leaving a lasting impression on her.

The stories offer a glimpse into the diverse values, traditions, and imperfections of India, presenting a realistic portrayal of the country and its people.


2. The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk

The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk by Sudha Murty

The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk is a collection of heartwarming experiences of Sudha Murty, written as she walks the roads of rural and urban India. She weaves the everyday life of men and women of India into short stories and each story has a unique takeaway that you’ll never forget. The title story is a story about Sudha Murty’s visit to Odisha and about the poor tribals she met there.


3. Something Happened on The Way to Heaven: 20 Inspiring Real-Life Stories

Something Happened on the Way to Heaven by Sudha Murthy

Something Happened on the Way to Heaven is a collection of 20 memorable true-life stories handpicked and edited by Sudha Murty from a writing contest run by Penguin. The stories capture the hope, faith, kindness and joy that life is full of, even as we make our way through the daily grind.


4. Three Thousand Stitches

Three Thousand Stitches by Sudha Murthy

Three Thousand Stitches is a collection of 11 short stories that draw from Sudha Murty’s real-life experiences, as an individual and as the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation.

The book narrates many stories – the rescue and rehabilitation of 3,000 devadasis in Karnataka, her experience as the only girl studying engineering in a college full of boys, her encounter with Bollywood across the world, and people who judge others based on their appearances etc.


5. The Old Man and His God

The Old Man and His God by Sudha Murty

The Old Man and His God is yet another collection of stories from Sudha Murty’s real-life experiences. The title story features an elderly visually impaired man who lives independently in his small Shiva temple, refusing any assistance.

Other tales bring to light unheard stories from remote corners of the country, representing voices that were previously unheard. Sudha Murty aims to give a voice to these hidden individuals through her storytelling, and at the same time dive into the many layers of reality of our country.


6. Here, There and Everywhere

Here, There and Everywhere Sudha Murty Books

Here, There and Everywhere is a book that marks a milestone in Sudha Murty’s literary career as her 200th title spanning different genres and languages. It is a compilation of her most cherished stories from various collections, along with some new additions and a thoughtful introduction.

Just like Sudha Murty herself, this book is multifaceted, offering a diverse range of stories that celebrate her literary journey.


7. Common, yet Uncommon

Common, Yet Uncommon Sudha Murty Books

Common Yet Uncommon paints a touching portrait of everyday life, capturing the quirks and imperfections of ordinary people. Through fourteen tales, Sudha Murty explores memories of childhood, life in her hometown, and encounters with various individuals.

The characters in these stories are not wealthy or famous; instead, they are genuine and unpretentious, with open hearts and straightforward personalities. Their stories depict the rawness of human nature, showcasing both flaws and acts of kindness.


Children’s Books by Sudha Murty

These are the children’s books written by Sudha Murty.


1. Grandma’s Bag of Stories

Grandma's Bag Of Stories by Sudha Murty

Sudha Murty’s Grandma’s Bag of Stories brings forth memories of a grandparent spinning tales around animals and mysterious characters. The story starts with Anand, Krishna, Raghu and Meena arriving at their Ajji and Ajja’s house in Shiggaon.

They spend the summer listening to their Ajji as she opens her big bag of stories. She tells stories of kings and cheats, princesses and onions, monkeys and mice and scorpions and hidden treasures.


How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories by Sudha Murthy

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories is a collection of 25 semi-autobiographical short stories written by Murty. Each of the stories is simple and touching and is packed with values. Funny, spirited and inspiring, the book teaches a valuable lesson about the importance of doing what you believe is right and having the courage to realize your dreams.


3. The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories

The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories by Sudha Murty

The Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories is a collection of all those tales and stories that Sudha Murty heard from her grandparents and other people. These timeless tales are about many characters – the princess who thinks she is a bird, some wise men and foolish boys, funny men and women, a shepherd who carries a bag of words, and a coconut that is worth a thousand rupees.


4. The Magic of the Lost Temple

The Magic of the Lost Temple Sudha Murty Books

The Magic of the Lost Temple is heart-warming, charming and absolutely unputdownable. Nooni, a city girl, comes to her grandparents’ village to spend her summer vacations. She’s amazed by the slower pace of life there but soon embraces it, enjoying activities like making papad, organizing picnics, and learning to ride a bike with her new found friends.

Things get exciting when Nooni stumbles upon an ancient fabled stepwell right in the middle of a forest.


5. The Magic of the Lost Story

The Magic of the Lost Story Sudha Murty Books

The Magic of the Lost Story is an adorable adventure tale that takes us to terrains along the Tungabhadra River. After being in lockdown for more than a year, Nooni is again visiting her grandparents in their village, and she still has fond memories of previous adventures.

Eager to finally step out of the house, what she doesn’t know is that another adventure awaits her. This time she will be making a new discovery, about a missing puzzle in her family’s history.


6. The Gopi Diaries: Coming Home

The Gopi Diaries by Sudha Murty

The Gopi Diaries is a series of three books for children about a dog called Gopi. Told in Gopi’s voice, the first book, The Gopi Diaries: Coming Home, begins with Gopi going to his new home, and tells the story of how he settles down with his loving, human family.

How Gopi sees the world around him and what he thinks of the people in his life give the story a truly unique flavour.


7. The Gopi Diaries: Finding Love

The Gopi Diaries Finding Love Sudha Murty Books

In this second book of the series, The Gopi Diaries: Finding Love, our Gopi has grown into a stronger and robust pup, and somehow even more naughty and mischievous.

He faces new challenges, shares new experiences and makes new friends, and one day he gets the biggest surprise of his life. Written in an endearing tone, the book reminds us of the beautiful bond of love, devotion, and affection with our pets.


8. The Gopi Diaries: Growing Up

The Gopi Diaries Growign Up Sudha Murty Books

In this 3rd book of the series, The Gopi Diaries: Growing Up, our Gopi is now a full-grown adult dog, and now has a new dog-person in his life, the adorable Nova. Together, they embark on new discoveries and new journeys including that of bringing other lives to this big beautiful world.


9. How The Sea Became Salty

How the Sea Became Salty by Sudha Murthy

How the Sea Became Salty is the first chapter book in Puffin’s Chapter Book series. The book is set a long time ago, in a time when the sea’s water was supposedly sweet and indeed drinkable.

It narrates the tale of how the sea came to be salty. It is suitable for very young readers and is a perfect way to introduce them to the beauty of Sudha Murty’s writing.


10. How The Onion Got Its Layers

How the Onion Got Its Layers by Sudha Murthy

How the Onion Got Its Layers seeks to answer several questions related to the onion, like its many layers and why it brings tears to the eyes when cut. India’s favourite storyteller brings alive this timeless tale with her inimitable wit and simplicity. Dotted with charming illustrations, this is a gorgeous chapter book.


11. How the Earth Got Its Beauty

How the Earth Got Its Beauty Sudha Murty Books

How the Earth Got Its Beauty makes you marvel at the magnificent beauty of Earth. It talks of the snow-capped mountains, and the deep oceans, the vibrant flowers, and the marvellous animals. The fictional tale narrates just how these wonderful things got their beauty.


12. How the Mango Got Its Magic

How the Mango Got Its Magic Sudha Murty Books

How the Mango Got Its Magic tells us the fictional and fantastical tale of just how mango got its magical and surreal sweetness. This chapter book reminds us of the hot summer days, and the adventures that summer brings.


13. How the Bamboo Got Its Bounty

How the Bamboo Got Its Bounty

How the Bamboo Got Its Bounty tells us the story of a shy, lonesome, and ordinary looking tree in a lush green abundant forest, and how this tree gets an unforgettable reward by the forest queen, a reward that makes all the inhabitants of the jungle very curious. This book tells us how bamboo is a constant companion in our life – from birth to death.


51 thoughts on “Sudha Murty Books | A List of 32 Books by Sudha Murty (Genre Wise)”

  1. I read Sudha’s ‘An Immigrant’ a year ago and I loved it and I really want to try more of her work but didn’t give it much of a thought. But now after reading this article, I’m definitely gonna go for one of her books.
    Loved the Article, btw <3

    Reply
  2. Just read Sudha Murty’s “the mother i never knew’…a book that has really touched me and left a great mark…going to read other Sudha Murty books as well ^_^

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  3. I started reading sudha Murthy author book It’s written in simple words beautifully.. I liked the Mahabaratha and Grand mother’s story.

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  4. I have read few from her and honestly I love the way she narrates the story and my personal favorite is “gently falls the bakula” I always go to that book again and again. The simple writing, character depiction and beautiful narration makes me live the who story and I would suggest to go for it you will definitely love it. After that I will recommend “dollar bahu” or “the mother I never knew”

    Reply
  5. Hi,
    wanna buy a book for my daughter, looking for the author who knew Indian culture and understand the psychology of children .your book summary help me to find the perfect book for my child . thanks.

    Reply
  6. Just finished reading “wise n otherwise”…subtle yet truly inspiring n heart touching!! Can’t wait to read more of her work .

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  7. I have a small doubt
    In intermediate
    There is a story in English sub which is one of her stories
    Could you please say which one is that ????

    Reply
  8. She is awesome story writer.I have just read only one book of her and now I have thirst of reading all her books. I am dam sure I’m gonna fall in love with the stories

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  9. Mam ur book The mother I never knew is heart touching
    I hope I will complete study all ur stories books mam becoz it is really a well value based
    Tq mam for ur writings ☺

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  10. When I saw her videos she was very active and they way she express her thoughts o God felt wow…………..
    Now I really want to buy a book and read.
    Can any one suggest me ?

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  11. Her books were simple yet poignant. I read almost all the non fiction, I love every bit of it. Hope Mam will keep on inspiring us. I am a Tibetan and I loved the part where Sudha Mam had shared her experiences when she visit Tibet. Thanks..

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  12. Great efforts Ravi,
    Con we pick a set of her books for gifting.
    Suggest few of her books on motivation.
    With love
    Bippinjit

    Reply
  13. Hi….my 10 year kid loves Shudha Murthy’s books lot. They are too simple and real, that inspire him to read more and more of her books. Too beautiful and natural for Indian kids.

    Reply
  14. I have few books of Sudha madam in English, I want to buy some kannada book also, can u please help me in knowing which Kannada book r in English also

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  15. I have purchased and read most of the books of Mrs. Sudha Moorthy and gifted to others too.They are very simple and easy to understand, morale booster,helped me to think about life in a positive way .Thank you so much madam for the same.

    Reply
  16. I have 5 books out of this 20 books, I want to buy remaining..kindly help with site or place to buy…I leave at hyderabad

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  17. My beloved Dad is a very unique and amazing story teller himself. I read the ‘hear, there and every where’ stories with my father and both of us really connected to Sudha Murty’s inspiring and father- daughter emotion stories. Since then, reading her books makes me feel one if us. 🙂
    I have read many Sudha Murty books, love her way of expression and style of writing, her content is very relatable.

    Reply
  18. Sudha Murthy you are my role modell I am a student I love your books it gives me courage and helps me fight the sad it also teaches me a lot of values in life Thank you so much

    Reply

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