R. K. Narayan (1906 to 2001) Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer
Narayanaswami was one of the best known novelists among Indian
English writers. He is the author of fourteen novels, five volumes of
short stories, and a number of travelogues, and has a collection of
non-fiction to his credit. He also wrote his memoir ‘My Days’ (1975).
Narayan created the imaginary town of Malgudi, where realistic
characters in a typically Indian setting lived amid unpredictable events.
His stories are grounded in compassionate humanism and celebrated
the humour and energy of ordinary life. His stories are characterized by
a simple style and subtle humour.
Narayan was introduced to American readers in 1952 by the Michigan State University Press.
These include, ‘Swami and Friends’, ‘The Bachelor of Arts’ (1937), ‘The Dark Room’ (1938), ‘An
Astrologer’s Day and Other stories’(1947), ‘Mr Sampath ‘(1949), ‘The Financial Expert’ (1954),
‘Waiting for the Mahatma’ (1955), ‘The Guide’ (1958), and many other books.
His novel, ‘The Guide’, won him The Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961, the most coveted
literary honour in India. His writing is distinguished by humour and unoffending irony, a unique
Indianness and a simplicity which is utterly charming and authentic. Narayan typically portrays
the peculiarities of human relationships and the ironies of Indian daily life. His style is graceful,
marked by genial humour, elegance and simplicity.
