Best of RKN. Review on Swami and Friends - R K Narayan

I have to be very frank about why I ever picked up this book from the book store. First of all, during one of my interviews for an MBA admission, I proudly told them that I read R.K. Narayan’s books. Their response seemed almost spontaneous, “Have you read Swami and Friends?” I replied in the negative, at which point it almost seemed to be written on their faces that they thought I was bluffing. That was my first ever real encounter with this title. Secondly, while lazing away in the air-conditioned interiors of a bookstore in Chennai, my eyes came over this little book, and the fact that it was comparatively cheap made me buy it. But I tell you that is about all I remember, after that I was transported to Malgudi.

The story is about a boy, Swaminathan. He lives with his parents, and most importantly his Grandmother. His Grandmother, or Granny as he calls her, is his closest family member, willing to hear him out at all times, will fight for his human right’s against his oppressor’s like his father. And then comes his friends, of whom Mani and Rajam are the closest.

The story takes us through Swami’s school life and the up’s and down’s of school time friendship’s, and how he is carried away or affected by the Nationalist movement of the times. The story culminates with the founding of the M.C.C. or the Malgudi Cricket Club, and Swami’s role in the team which he regards could any day beat the rather clumsy club of Madras Presidency someday. It would be wrong for me to reveal anything more, reading them in Narayan’s own words is definitely more recommended.

This is a must read for all reader’s, regardless of age. What will probably strike most readers is the author’s amazing skills to paint the town of Malgudi and the story settings in their mind. Though fictious, the description is only too real. This is one of the classic trait’s of the Narayan’s works. Another aspect of this book is the manner in which the author has described a child’s mind, their way of thinking, and their view of the world around them.

Friends, read this! If you don’t, you won’t know what you are missing. Happy reading.

P.S. If you are the money conscious reader (Like I am), I suggest you go for the publications by Indian Thought Publications, Chennai. This print cost’s just Rs. 70.00 and is better compared to the compilations that Penguin India is bringing out.