Book Review by Ku. Sayali Arun Jadhar ,T.Y.B.A. Dept. of English Annasaheb Awate College, Manchar
Malgudi Days, written by R.K.Narayan is a collection of short story that transports readers to the fictional town of Malgudi nestled in the heart of India. First Published in 1982, this book is a masterpiece of Indian Literature offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people living in a small town.
The book comprises 32 short stories each unique and captivating in its own way .The stories revole around the lives of the people of Malgudi, exploring themes such as love, family friendship and the human condition from the nostalgic tale of ‘A Horse and Two Goats’ to the poignant story of ‘The Doctors Word ‘each narrative is a window into the complexities of human relationships.
Narayan explores various themes throughout the book including:
i) The simplicity of life: Malgudi Days celebrates the simplicity and beauty of life in a small town where people live in harmony with nature.ii) Human relationships: The stories highlight the complexities of human relationships, showcasing the depths of love friendship and family bonds.
iii) Social commentary: Narayan subtly weaves social commentary into this stories touching on issues like poverty inequality and the struggles of everyday life.
The characters in Malgudi Days are well crafted and relatable, with each story featuring a new cast of characters Narayans characterization is remarkable as he brings to life the people of Malgudi, making them feel like old friends.
Malgudi Days is a timeless classic of Indian Literature offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people living in a small town. Narayan’s masterful story telling coupled with his insightful exploration of human relationships, makes this book a must- read for anyone interested in literary fiction. Malgudi Days is suitable for readers who enjoy literary fiction, short stories and tales about everyday life.