East Is East (novel)

East Is East is a 1996 novel by British author Hanif Kureishi. The novel expands upon the themes and characters initially explored in Kureishi's 1991 screenplay and subsequent film of the same name. The story revolves around the Khan family, a mixed-race family living in Salford, Greater Manchester, in 1971. George Khan, a Pakistani father, struggles to reconcile his traditional Muslim values with the more liberal, Westernized attitudes of his English wife, Ella, and their seven children.

The novel delves into themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, racism, and the complexities of family relationships. George Khan's attempts to impose his cultural expectations on his children, including arranged marriages, lead to rebellion and considerable tension within the household. East Is East explores the challenges faced by immigrant families navigating differing cultural norms and the search for belonging in a changing society. The narrative is characterized by its blend of humor, social commentary, and unflinching portrayal of the realities of working-class life in 1970s Britain.