Ian Buruma Standalone Novels books in order

Ian Buruma's two novels explore identity, performance, and cultural deception through characters caught between worlds.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 Playing the Game 1991 Ian Buruma Buy
2 The China Lover 2008 Ian Buruma Buy

Playing the Game (1991) and The China Lover (2008) are Buruma’s two works of fiction. Both draw on his deep knowledge of Asian culture and his interest in how people construct and perform identity across cultural boundaries.

The China Lover follows three characters connected to the real Japanese actress Yoshiko Yamaguchi, whose career took her from wartime propaganda films to Hollywood. It is a novel about reinvention and the stories nations tell about themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Ian Buruma Standalone Novels series?

There are two books in the Ian Buruma Standalone Novels series, published between 1991 and 2008.

What is the first book in the Ian Buruma Standalone Novels series?

The first book in the Ian Buruma Standalone Novels series is Playing the Game, published in 1991.

Are Ian Buruma's novels similar to his non-fiction?

They share his interest in cultural identity and the masks people wear, but the novels are fully fictional narratives rather than essays or reportage.

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