Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami is 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 nonfiction to his credit. He also has written his memoir ‘My Days’ (1975). Narayan has 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 celebrate the humour and energy of ordinary life. His stories are characterized by a simple style and subtle spirit.
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 paradoxes of Indian daily life. His style is graceful, marked by genial humour, elegance and simplicity.
