R.K.Narayan and Swami and Friends
REVIEW though the flavor of the SEASON is buzzing with Harry Potter Mania, still I am glued up reading R.K. Narayan’s First Novel “Swami and friends” (which was published in 1935) so enthusiastically
Even my parents were not born at that time, but theINNOCENCE that I find in this book makes is itrefreshingly different from what we have nowadays.
Yes, as I kid I too loved to read about magic, mystery, adventures, and detective stuff. There are plenty of books which can take u totally to a different imaginative realm but to narrate about a young school boy’s formative years, his complex emotions, his fears, his day-to day routines, his circle of friends and the care-free life he enjoys ----brings out the BRILLIANCE of R.K.Narayan. Written humorously, “Swami” ---the young protagonist shines through this novel.
R.K. Narayan’s fictitious town Malgudi with the backdrop of Sarayu River, has the Ultimate Indian essence that captures the adventures of Swami and his Friends!!!! Since it was written before Independence, Narayan carefully manages to the weave the English influence on the characters.
W.S.Swaminathan, of First Form A, Albert Mission School is basically a very average student and has a laid back attitude towards studies. Apart from his regular friends like SOMU, SHANKAR, SAMUEL a.k.a PEA, and his best buddy is the good-for-nothing MANI.
MANI is a big bully who often carries a pair of wooden clubs, monopolizes theLAST BENCH, never brings books or does homework & sleeps bravely in the class. Swami is proud to have his friendship.
RAJAM, the son of police superintendent, is the new student in the First A. He is the only boy in the class to be neatly dressed, speaks every good English like a “European” and equally good in his studies.
Swami likes to spend his time with Mani and Rajam. Since Swami is so much in awe of Rajam and follows him everywhere, he earns the name as “The Tail” of Rajam from other classmates.
At home, he shares
Even my parents were not born at that time, but theINNOCENCE that I find in this book makes is itrefreshingly different from what we have nowadays.
Yes, as I kid I too loved to read about magic, mystery, adventures, and detective stuff. There are plenty of books which can take u totally to a different imaginative realm but to narrate about a young school boy’s formative years, his complex emotions, his fears, his day-to day routines, his circle of friends and the care-free life he enjoys ----brings out the BRILLIANCE of R.K.Narayan. Written humorously, “Swami” ---the young protagonist shines through this novel.
R.K. Narayan’s fictitious town Malgudi with the backdrop of Sarayu River, has the Ultimate Indian essence that captures the adventures of Swami and his Friends!!!! Since it was written before Independence, Narayan carefully manages to the weave the English influence on the characters.
W.S.Swaminathan, of First Form A, Albert Mission School is basically a very average student and has a laid back attitude towards studies. Apart from his regular friends like SOMU, SHANKAR, SAMUEL a.k.a PEA, and his best buddy is the good-for-nothing MANI.
MANI is a big bully who often carries a pair of wooden clubs, monopolizes theLAST BENCH, never brings books or does homework & sleeps bravely in the class. Swami is proud to have his friendship.
RAJAM, the son of police superintendent, is the new student in the First A. He is the only boy in the class to be neatly dressed, speaks every good English like a “European” and equally good in his studies.
Swami likes to spend his time with Mani and Rajam. Since Swami is so much in awe of Rajam and follows him everywhere, he earns the name as “The Tail” of Rajam from other classmates.
At home, he shares