A collection of stories set in and around the fictional town of Malgudi, R.K. Narayan explores the mundane lives of people, depicting how fate always catches up to them no matter their efforts.
Read if you like: short stories, straightforward writing, portrait of Indian society & culture
This is probably one of the oldest books on my bookshelves. I had put off reading it for several years. If nothing else, I'm glad that I was able to get the book off my TBR.
When you are as used to reading books that are intricately plotted and fast-paced as I am, you'll find that R.K. Narayan's stories contain a world of difference. There's a simplicity to them that can be refreshing.
At the same time, it took me 2-3 stories to get used to his way of writing and the style of storytelling itself. Since there's no "plot" or distinct beginning, middle, and end, these stories read more like anecdotes your neighbour tells you about someone they know.
From stories about ambitious workers to misunderstood parents, you can expect something new in each story.
The common thread that ties them all together is the pursuit of a better life - for some, that means finding acceptance in their relationship, while for others, it means improving their financial status.
Although I had only heard high praise for Malgudi Days, I didn't love reading this book as much as I had thought I would. The stories being too short, the glimpse of these characters is but fleeting.
By the end of it, most of the stories kind of blur into each other, and I find that not a lot of it is memorable per se.
Some themes that are covered throughout the book are family bonds, work life, fate, worldview, and social standing.
All in all, I don't think this book was meant for me. So, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. If you are looking for books that depict ordinary life and how the common man is stuck in a wheel of fate, I'd suggest you pick A Flutter in the Colony by Sandeep Ray.
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