The Guide: A Novel (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin) [Paperback]

R. K. Narayan (Author)

Book Description

Series: Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin | Publication Date: November 1, 1992

Raju's first stop after his release from prison is the barber's shop. Then he decides to take refuge in an abandoned temple. Raju used to be India's most corrupt tourist guide - but now a peasant mistakes him for a holy man. Gradually, he begins to play the part.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

R. K. Narayan (1906–2001), born and educated in India, was the author of fourteen novels, numerous short stories and essays, a memoir, and three retold myths. His work, championed by Graham Greene, who became a close friend, was often compared to that of Dickens, Chekhov, Faulkner, and Flannery O'Connor, among others. October 10, 2006, is the centennial of Narayan's birth.

Michael Gorra is a professor of English at Smith College. His books include The Bells in Their Silence: Travels Through Germany and After Empire: Scott, Naipaul, Rushdie.

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (November 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014018547X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140185478
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,048,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A work of genius, September 4, 2005

By 

Dr. G. (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Guide: A Novel (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin) (Paperback)

Despite other reviewers' insistence that this is a "beach book," "a light read," you should read this book and carefully. Its deprecators need to try again; not everything is to be read and understood on a superficial level. Their comments say more about them than the book, and I wonder if they're not a little condescending. I was always disappointed that Narayan did not win the Nobel for literature; his is a wondrous gift of language and humanity. Your heart and mind will be enriched by reading it, and it will always stay with you.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well laid out, simply fantastic, September 29, 2000

By 

Sathyanarayanan Pandalai (Maple Shade, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Guide: A Novel (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin) (Paperback)

The way Narayan interlaces the two different streams of stories in the book is wonderful. The novel is a masterpiece in the way it is written and takes the reader to a visual tour of malgudi lansscape. The way Narayan has developd the city of malgudi is really exemplery. The transformation of Raju from a high society man to a saint is well laid out. The lives of Raju and Rosy has been well presented. The day to day activities around Raju, the saint's, during fasting is also well presented. The whole episode is dramatised to such an extent that we can visualise the whole thing in front of our eyes. The most importent thing about Narayan is the language that he uses through out the book. Its amazing the way he presents the whole novel in such a simple language. The climax is really heart rendering. Narayan holds the readers interest through out the book. A must read for anyone.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical Beauty, August 31, 2000

By 

Venkat Manthripragada (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Guide: A Novel (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin) (Paperback)

Truly a literary classic, Guide is a brilliant presentation of the master story teller R.K.Narayan. From a petty tourist guide to a swamy the transformation of Raju was depicted with shocking reality and exceptional lyrical beauty. Transformation from the position of a neglected wife to an accomplished dancer of Rosy was another parellel life we see here. Both these lives reaches their pinnacle when raju becomes a swamy and do the wonder because of the belief of people on him. The description of everyday of fasting by raju shows beautiful transformation in the petty guide. The climax is really heartbreaking. Raju puts down his head, leaves this mortal world and it starts raining. It gave me little shrill in my spine and greatest sad feeling. Truely unforgettable work by the master.