Rating: 
Summary: a masterpiece of multicultural archetypes
Review: As 1970s Britain cast off the last tentative fragments of empire and lurched reluctantly into modern multiculturalism, complete with a racist backlash, a national identity crisis, and an economic recession to boot, a new society was painfully born in which popular culture was up for grabs and a jaded punk-rock decay took hold in the Babylon that is London. Few writers have described this environment better than Hanif Kureishi. The Buddha of Suburbia is his best book, and the BBC adaptation starring Naveen Andrews (of the English Patient) as Karim doesn't come close to doing it justice. Although The Buddha suffers from a certain shallowness of character, which is bound to happen whenever an author puts culture and setting ahead of individual, this flaw is offset by the brilliance with which Kureishi navigates the various identity crises in Karim's life that mirror those of Britain as a society. It is sheer genius to cast the postmodern soul of Britain as an Anglo-Pakistani youth. No character better illustrates the up-for-grabs nature of this changing society, and the supporting characters like Charlie, Changez and The Buddha (Dad), while degenerating into shallow caricatures of real people at times, are thrilling examples of decadence and personal struggle that will hold any reader's attention. Altough Kureishi's favored medium is the screenplay (Beautiful Laundrette, Sammy and Rosie, etc.) The Buddha of Suburbia should be given "classic" status as a near-perfect example of the "multicultural novel," mainly because it dives deep into identity politics without becoming a one-dimensional PC sermon.
Rating: 
Summary: The Zen Center of Chaos
Review: Brilliant, funny, pointed and touching. Kureishi's "Buddha of Suburbia" is a look at race relations in England, the aspirations of youth and the problems of family. All of this is put right under the surface of a story narrated by the English born adolescent, half Pakistani, half British young man called Karim. Karim is so self involved that he has little idea of what is going on around him, and it is through his heavily biased eyes that events show themselves to us. Everything that is revealed to us, from his family's turmoil, Karim's own greed, his neglect of his family during this difficult time, his aspirations to become famous, and above all else: to get laid, all of this comes sneaking past the bewildered young protagonist. His friends, family and co-workers are all wonderfully colorful characters that represent the full spectrum of clichés and stereotypes in the London suburbs of the 1970's. These people are all trying to live and to get by in their own ways, and Karim in anticipation of the American "Reagen 1980's" is trying to make sure that the world will give him everything that he desires. Kureishi is such a brilliant stylist that we forget that he has created these characters and that Karim is not in fact telling us this story. His prose style is superb and flowing. The plot flows and entertains us while many complex and human themes are revealed in a bare nakedness that amazes the reader, without becoming "preachy" or overly pastoral. This is not just an amazing social commentary, though it is that, but rather in fact, a wonderful and fully entertaining romp through the Suburbs of London, the city itself and even the U.S.'s East coast during the 1970's.
Rating:
Summary: The Zen Center of Chaos
Review: Brilliant, funny, pointed and touching. Kureishi's "Buddha of Suburbia" is a look at race relations in England, the aspirations of youth and the problems of family. All of this is put right under the surface of a story narrated by the English born adolescent, half Pakistani, half British young man called Karim. Karim is so self involved that he has little idea of what is going on around him, and it is through his heavily biased eyes that events show themselves to us. Everything that is revealed to us, from his family's turmoil, Karim's own greed, his neglect of his family during this difficult time, his aspirations to become famous, and above all else: to get laid, all of this comes sneaking past the bewildered young protagonist. His friends, family and co-workers are all wonderfully colorful characters that represent the full spectrum of clichés and stereotypes in the London suburbs of the 1970's. These people are all trying to live and to get by in their own ways, and Karim in anticipation of the American "Reagen 1980's" is trying to make sure that the world will give him everything that he desires. Kureishi is such a brilliant stylist that we forget that he has created these characters and that Karim is not in fact telling us this story. His prose style is superb and flowing. The plot flows and entertains us while many complex and human themes are revealed in a bare nakedness that amazes the reader, without becoming "preachy" or overly pastoral. This is not just an amazing social commentary, though it is that, but rather in fact, a wonderful and fully entertaining romp through the Suburbs of London, the city itself and even the U.S.'s East coast during the 1970's.
Rating:
Summary: Cool
Review: Cool and hilarious, a never boring story of the life and adventures of a hero, who has insights into western and eastern culture, and shares his experiences without taboos. Timeless fascinating.
Rating:
Summary: self-discovery with explanation of cultures influential.
Review: Fantasically explanatory of an amusing self-discovery incorporating excellant cultures,politics, class statements and music of the late seventies onwards. a very neccessary novel
Rating:
Summary: The Book That Became A Friend
Review: Hanif Kureishi sure knows what a young man age 17-21 feels. Editorial reviews tell us how wickidly funny it is. It is, in places. But foremost it's profound, with a deep understanding of human character. Hanif Kureishi is a wise man. I found The Buddha of Suburbia heart-tearing. In my life I once (in the early 70s) played the role of Karim; now that of Karim's dad. I learned from Hanif Kureishi that in all the bizarre circumstances we humans tend to place ourselves in, we still can let love rule. Best book in ages. Read it, and afterwards read The Black Album and next Intimacy.
Rating: 
Summary: Into the Trash
Review: I can say modern literature is surely on its way out of class and refinement. This book is sleazy and pointless as much of what is published nowadays. As a Buddhist, I bought the book thinking it may give light into Asian culture in the West and its positive impact it certainly has had. Instead I am exposed to degraded Indians and loopy British who do not have a clue of who they are or understand the symbolism of life.
What a shame to Buddha's name, who in actuality did nothing but bring light to the Indian people and to the world as to exactly who they are. And how inherently deep and symbolic every moment of life is.
Rating:
Summary: Only read this if you like disgusting things
Review: I found this book to be disgusting, and lacking any redeeming qualities or messages. I agree with the reader who stated the language is shocking, only for other reasons entirely. If you don't like trash, you won't like this book.
Rating:
Summary: Best Picture of London that I've seen
Review: I loved this book, it was enjoyable to read through the description of London and the scenes and the dress and the narrator had this exciting, yet somewhat reserved and very real and honest relation to the reader. The book is very much about acting, in many ways, trying on characters, and becoming them, from the actual career of Karim, to the role of his father as 'buddha of suburbia' to charlie hero and the marxists. The book is honest and introspective but doesn't get bogged down or lose its sense of humor. I want to say its not silly, but it has its silliness, which I like. Furthermore, I don't think there is a more vivid description of 1970's London that I could imagine, I even can see the geography, the differences in different areas of London. The dress, the music, all of it is wonderful in creating a world that one can immerse oneself into while reading. I can't wait to watch the movie. The sex and the longing and all is very british to me, the racism described in that matter-of-fact way, the vulnerability and the weakness underlying Indians in London, the sadness in lives that are unfulfilled against the backdrop of gray london while Karim is full of color and life just make this book a joy.
Rating:
Summary: A Joy Ride!
Review: I never wanted to part ways with the eccentric characters of this fast paced, hilarious novel. I loved Karim and his extra-ordinary family, flaws and all. And I cared for their welfare. Set in London of the 1960s - the author skillfully introduces the reader to the racist abuses, class and existential struggles of that era that are still true today most likely.
If you are tired of the predictable works of most contemporary authors and eager for something with a little snap, spice and depth, look no further. The language alone will STAGGER you.
I am in love with Hanif Kureishi.
Good Job!
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