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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
too much else to read - stories are fun and short but a bit dated
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An excellent short story collection focusing on several interesting themes such as family/societal pressure, loyalty, cruelty, abusive family, parentage, colonialism, history, and conflict between modernity and religion. I liked some stories more than others, but that is true of all short story collections. My personal favorites in this one were Lawley Road, Second Opinion, God and The Cobler, Hungry Child, Engine Trouble, and Attila.
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.
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.
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.
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
One thing I don't like about short story collections is that the reader doesn't always get to know the characters very well. Sometimes it works in their favour but usually not. I felt that way about this book too. Some stories lack a satisfying conclusion. However, Malgudi Days gave a glimpse into life in Karnataka during the mid 19th century. R. K. Narayan's characters are eccentric, unique and will appeal to anyone. It's not necessarily memorable but a great read nevertheless.
a lovely collections of short stories. Brought back fond memories of my childhood and my aunts bedtime stories.
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I think I expected there to be more cohesion from story to story. It seems that the only element that connects all the stories is Malgudi itself, which is actually the setting. And this setting is not the strongest or vivid of settings. But the characters are quite finely painted and really enjoyable. The second part has a few newer stories which are not as good as the original collection in the first part. Linking them all together is quite a nice introductory tribute to Narayan by Jhumpa Lahiri.
adventurous
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
