Customer Reviews

Mr. Sampath--The Printer of Malgudi, The Financial Expert, Waiting for the Mahatma (Everyman's Library)

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The three novels gathered in this omnibus edition make an excellent introduction to the works of Indian writer R.K. Narayan. The novels all take place in the fictional Indian city of Malgudi. They each offer a mix of wisdom, comedy, pathos, tragedy, romance, and action.

"Mr. Sampath" is a coming-of-age novel but one with a particular Indian twist. The main character Srinivas is sensitive but immature, but he isn't lost or even dissatisfied. He needs to be prodded unto the path towards manhood by his elder brother. Maturity is acceptance of one's lot but by participating actively in the world around us.
(Full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/RTLQDSWW758JX/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm )

"The Financial Expert" is a comic novel about an unsympathetic swindler who is nevertheless mature and wise in his own way. We might not like him but it's difficult not to empathize and understand him.
(Full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R13JRCPQAS18D3/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm )

"Waiting for the Mahatma" is a modern historical novel of India achieving independence. Narayan wrote it soon after the events and Indian history serves as a backdrop to the story of a young couple in love; they in turn can be seen as symbolizing India and the Mahatma. Narayan paints an intimate portrait of India rather than an epic canvas.
(Full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2ZKYGNE4CQQBY/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm )

This is a gorgeous edition by the way. Cloth bound hardcover book printed on acid free paper and with a bookmark ribbon attached. It feels good to hold and smells nice.

Vincent Poirier, Tokyo

Links to separate editions of each novel:
Mr. Sampath: The Printer of Malgudi
The Financial Expert (Phoenix Fiction Series)
Waiting for Mahatma

.R K Narayan provides the most complete view of the Indian soul to the outsider, with his many novel all set in the town off Malgudi. Admired by Graham Greene , I am sure you will enjoy this collection of the novels by one of my favorite authors and an excellent introduction.

Fascinating writing that deals with people and situations that can only happen in India. I really enjoyed these novellas, and I think it provides a window into a culture that too few Americans get a chance to understand.