R. K. Narayan

R. K. Narayan was a prominent Indian writer known for his works set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. He was one of the leading figures of early Indian literature in English, renowned for his simple and unpretentious writing style and his ability to capture the essence of Indian life through his narratives. His most famous works include 'Swami and Friends', 'The Guide', and 'The Man-Eater of Malgudi'. Narayan's literature is celebrated for its humor, energy, and keen observation of human character and society.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Guide

    "The Guide" follows the life of Raju, a corrupt tour guide who, through a series of events, ends up in prison, and later becomes a spiritual guide. After his release from prison, Raju is mistaken for a holy man by villagers and gets involved in resolving a drought problem by fasting. The novel explores themes of life, death, and redemption, as well as the complex nature of human relationships and the power of belief.

  2. 2. Swami and Friends

    Set in the fictional town of Malgudi in South India, the book follows the story of a ten-year-old boy named Swami and his adventures with his friends. The narrative encapsulates the trials and tribulations of school life, family relationships, and friendships in a traditional Indian context. The book is a charming exploration of a child's life in a small town, filled with humor and poignant moments.

  3. 3. The English Teacher

    The book revolves around an English teacher living in India who is struggling with the death of his wife. After her passing, he begins to communicate with her through a medium, which brings him peace and helps him cope with his loss. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the spiritual connection between the living and the dead. It also delves into the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and his eventual acceptance of his wife's death.

  4. 4. Vendor Of Sweeets

    The book centers around Jagan, a sweet vendor in India who lives by the principles of Gandhi, and his relationship with his westernized son, Mali. Despite Jagan's efforts to provide a traditional upbringing, Mali rejects his father's values and moves to America to pursue a career in writing. The novel explores the generational and cultural clashes between father and son, as Jagan struggles to understand his son's choices and the tension between tradition and modernity in post-colonial India.

  5. 5. Waiting for the Mahatma

    "Waiting for the Mahatma" is a novel set against the backdrop of the Indian Independence movement. The story revolves around a young, carefree boy named Sriram who falls in love with a devoted disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, Bharati. His love for Bharati leads him to join the freedom struggle, despite his lack of political interest. The narrative explores his transformation from a reckless youth to a mature individual committed to the cause, under the influence of Bharati and the Mahatma. Despite the challenges and personal sacrifices, Sriram remains steadfast in his commitment to the freedom movement, showcasing the impact of love and ideology on personal growth.

  6. 6. The Financial Expert

    The novel follows the life of Margayya, a shrewd and ambitious financial advisor in a small South Indian town, who starts his career under a banyan tree offering advice to the local people on financial matters. With his cunning mind and understanding of the banking system, he rises to wealth and prominence, helping people with loans and investment schemes. However, his success is marred by his morally questionable methods and the eventual downfall that results from his hubris and detachment from traditional values. The story is a reflection on the complexities of financial dealings and the impact of modern capitalism on traditional Indian society, exploring themes of ambition, greed, and the consequences of a life devoted to the pursuit of money.