- Swami and Friends
infobox Book |
name = Swami and Friends
title_orig =
translator =
image_caption =
author =R. K. Narayan
cover_artist =
country =India
language = English
series =
genre =Novel
publisher =University of Chicago Press (not first)
release_date = 1935
media_type = Print (Hardback &Paperback )
pages =
isbn = ISBN 0-226-56829-6 (hardback edition)
preceded_by =
followed_by = The Bachelor of Arts"Swami and Friends" is the first of a trilogy of novels written by
R. K. Narayan , a celebratedEnglish language novelist fromIndia . The novel, which is also Narayan's first, is set in pre-independence days in India, in a fictional town calledMalgudi . The second book is Bachelor of Arts and the third isThe English Teacher .A
paperback edition was issued inChicago by theUniversity of Chicago Press in1980 with ISBN 0-226-56829-6. Many other editions have been issued in other countries by several other publishers.Plot introduction
"Swami and Friends" is the story of ten-year old Swaminathan, a boy full of innocence, wonder, and mischief, and his experiences growing up in the fictional town of Malgudi. He is a student at the British-established Albert Mission School, which stresses Christianity, English literature, and the value of education. Life changes dramatically for young Swami when Rajam - a symbol of colonial power - joins the school, and becomes his close friend.
Plot summary
Malgudi's DayA railway station serves as the main entry point for Malgudi. It is here that you find Raju, the guide who will help you explore the village. On your way through Lawley's extension, you'll visit Ananda Bhavan, where you can have a sip of coffee before continuing the journey. Some of the remarkable characters you'll meet during your visit are the town gossip, the financial expert, the man who owns Truth Press, the English teacher, and many others.
Before long, you'll also come across our protagonist, the adventurous boy called Swami.
The real crux
The story begins with Swami, who was born and brought up in Malgudi, attending his monotonous schooling in Albert Mission School.
The story gets its heat when Rajam, son of a police officer joins his school and the dispute that occurs between Rajam and Mani (who is also Swami's friend.) and thereinafter the steady friendship between Swami, Rajam and Mani. The only aim of this profound creature is to form a cricket team.
Climax
What started as an ambition, parted his friendship with Rajam. Rajam moves out of the town without even saying a word to Swami.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.