Someone said the more you know the more ignorant u feel, most certainly its better to read more and be ignorant rather then not read at all.Books are one's best friends and I am happy I have been able to read as much as possible
I am penning down some of my favorites, not necessarily in that order.
_
Roald Dahl
His collection of short stories and his imaginative yet distinct style of writing is a joy to read.The way he narrates his stories and the ingenuity of his prose is indeed a treat for any literature fan.Some may complain that he hardly writes novels and stuff like that but whatever he has written has simply been awesome.The twists and turns in his stories and most of all the unexpected yet very plausible ends to his stories were amazing.
_
Gabriel Jose Garcia Marquez
Born in Colombia and popularly known as Gabo to his fans worldwide, he excels with ease in whatever he pens down, be it short stories, novellas, epics or non fiction.He captures the scenes brilliantly in his works with effortless ease.Some of his noteworthy works, category wise are:-
Fiction
One Hundred Years of Solitude
The Autumn of the Patriarch
Innocent Eréndira
Chronicle of a Death Foretold
The General in his Labyrinth
Non Fiction
The Story of a Shipwrecked Sailor
His witticism and sense of humour in some of his works is simply stunning.
_
John Maxwell Coetzee
This South African writer won the literature nobel in 2003 for his excellent contribution to literature and prose.He brings out the South African way of life so effortlessly in his works and one is simply amazed at his play of words, simple yet striking.Some of his must reads include:-
Dusklands
Waiting for the Barbarians
Life and Times of Michael K
Foe
Disgrace
_
P G Woodhouse
Anyone and everyone who likes English prose would have read him at some point in time of their lives.He is simply stunning in his works which have a mass appeal all over the literary world.His sense of humour and his witticism are crackling with boyish charm and vibrancy.His works have a special place for children and their mischief in them.
_
Franz Kafka
Born into a Jewish family, he was to write such amazing novels that would move the world.He had such a massive impact on literature during his times and continues to be the source of inspiration for the younger generation of writers.His impact can be gauged from the fact that he has a word named after him, kafkaesque.
Some of his noteworthy works are:-
The Judgement
The Metamorphosis
In the Penal Colony
_
Ayn Rand
Born in Russia as Alissa Rosenbaum, she was a provocative and visionary writer crafting unforgettable tales and characters.Her works include The FountainHead which depicts the American individualism and presents'man as hero' through the protagonist Howard Roark, and also brings out provocative morality of rational egoism.A wonderful work and a must read.Atlas Shrugged
which talks about'objectivism' and stuff like that.She is a writer whom people with a philosophical and psychological leanings would love to read.
_
Munshi Premchand
Any talk of Indian literature and his name is definite to figure on this one.He writes in a rustic style which captures the rusticism to perfection.His distinct style of writing makes one relate to the rural folk and their walk of life.
Some noteworthy works are:-
Godan
Rangmanch
Gaban*_
I will have to put 2 writers in this category coz the mention of one and not the other would have been a travesty to say the least.
Sir Arthur Conan Dyle
The creator of the ever so famous Sherlock Holmes, he epitomised the art of detective story telling.His perfection to detail and easy to believe realism is indeed stunning to say the least.He builds up his plot with such meticulous finesse that its a joy to read.The way he tracks the characters and his unique style of keeping the reader interested and glued to the book is just awesome.Wonderful reading for all ages.
Agatha Christie
If Sherlock Holmes is part of detective lore then not to be left far behind are Miss Maple and Hercule Poirot, characters brought to life by the pen of Christie.She had a unique gift of detective story telling and that reflects in her works and writings.
_
This one is another category of writers where I am taking more then one names:-
Vikram Seth
He writes in a style which can at best be called'Anglo-Indian' if I may use that word, coz his works have a distinct Indian feel to them and yet are very cosmopolitan and English in approach.His The Suitable Boyand Equal Music are a treat for any prose reader.
Pankaj Mishra
He hasnt written much, but whatever he has written has a freshness about it.His The Romantics captures the essence of youth and carefree abandon of that age, slowly it builds up into a nice story about the protagonist's life and the way he changes through to adapt to things around him.A fine mix of casual grace and emotional intensity.
Manil Suri
Though I have read just one book of his the Death of Vishnu, Suri comes along as a sensitive and powerful writer.He combines Hindu mythology with the color, fervour and joy of urban India.The way he traces the rise and fall of Vishnu and the socio-religious contours to his works makes it a masterpiece.
_
Ruskin Bond
Maybe I have included him coz I have a little bias towards his works as I also relate to the stories he tells.The way he talks about the mountains and the life there is almost life like.His style of story telling is like a kid, he seems to be giggling and chirping as he writes.Ruskin is young at heart and joy to read specially when one is feeling low.Some of his noteworthy works are:-
The Room On The Roof
The Night Train at Deoli
Time Stops At Shamli
Vagrants In The Valley
Our Trees Still Grow In Dehra
_
I know I have finished talking about the 10 but this one writer I just couldnt keep out.
R K Narayan
Who can forget:-
Swami and friends
Malgudi Days
The Guide
Bachelor of Arts
He has to be read by anyone who wants to discover the art of simple effective and amazing story telling.
_
I hope you guys would like the writers I have mentioned here, it would be great to hear from people who are passionate about their prose
