The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny

A Novel

De: Kiran Desai

Narrado por: Sneha Mathan

A spellbinding story of two young people whose fates intersect and diverge across continents and years—an epic of love and family, India and America, tradition and modernity, by the Booker Prize–winning author of The Inheritance of Loss

“A spectacular literary achievement. I wanted to pack a little suitcase and stay inside this book forever.”—Ann Patchett

“A novel so wonderful, when I got to the last page, I turned to the first and began again.”—Sandra Cisneros

“Devastating, lyrical, and deeply romantic . . . an unmitigated joy to read.”—Khaled Hosseini

“A grand and stirring love story, written in exquisite prose.”—Namwali Serpell

“Magnificent . . . A masterpiece.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

One of Publishers Weekly’s Top 10 New Books of the Fall • One of Book Riot’s Three Most Anticipated Books of the Fall

When Sonia and Sunny first glimpse each other on an overnight train, they are immediately captivated yet also embarrassed by the fact that their grandparents had once tried to matchmake them, a clumsy meddling that served only to drive Sonia and Sunny apart.

Sonia, an aspiring novelist who recently completed her studies in the snowy mountains of Vermont, has returned to her family in India. She fears that she is haunted by a dark spell cast by an artist to whom she had once turned for intimacy and inspiration. Sunny, a struggling journalist resettled in New York City, is attempting to flee his imperious mother and the violence of his warring clan. Uncertain of their future, Sonia and Sunny embark on a search for happiness together as they confront the many alienations of our modern world.

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is the sweeping tale of two young people navigating the many forces that shape their lives: country, class, race, history, and the complicated bonds that link one generation to the next. A love story, a family saga, and a rich novel of ideas, it is the most ambitious and accomplished work yet by one of our greatest novelists.

*Includes a downloadable PDF of the family trees in the book

Absolutely beautiful writing

I loved the almost poetic manner of writing. The story was so engaging. The characters were developed beautifully.

Long Awaited & Worth the Wait

This was absolutely beautifully written and read. I would love to buy a paper copy to read it again and again. I couldn’t help but wonder how much of it was true, which was why there was so much time between books. I won’t give it away for you. Listen for yourself.

Contrast of contrasts

Epic journey of the push and pull of the heart across chasms of culture and family

Worth all the delicious hours of listening

This story is sprawling and beautifully written. Use the downloaded PDF to establish the names and families of Sonia and Sunny’s stories. The descriptions are breathtaking and the beautiful voice of the reader makes it a pleasure!

Magnificent

Beautiful writing and story. This book is literary fiction, something I've been missing in most of the new releases.

Absolutely stunning

The story, the performance, both fantastic. my favourite book of 2025 and it’s almost November!

perfectly drawn characters

Kiran Desai's characters were created with perfect balance. Just when I wanted to hate one of them, that person would act to show loving altruism. Each character experiences great epihanies. The writing that philosophizes these changes is exquisite. This epic will remain with me for life.

Women in India are subject to great danger. this book depicts,, realistically, what living in a society that is gynophobic and supremely classist making sure the underdogs do not get ahead.

The mystery of the love story, and a beautiful language which reviled true identity Indians culture

Love story, a legend of two young souls, beautifully written, I like this book and would recommend to read it

Interesting characters

It could have been edited better. Too long. Overall I liked it ! Will read more of her work

Exceptional story

Loved it! Learned about customs and culture. It was different kind of love. The reader was the right one for this story she was very good! She made the story even more enjoyable!