Scan barcode
nekreader's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed this less than A Tiger for Malgudi, although the writing is beautiful. I would like to read some more of the author's work based on these two stories.
samyukta_24's review
5.0
Never have I been so personally invested in the life of a non-assuming printer from a small, idyllic village. Right from page one, R.K Narayan describes Nataraj the printer’s life and his ideologies, in a few succinct paragraphs, and then manages to turn it all upside down by the fatal arrival of one random taxidermist called Vasu.
Nataraj’s subtle humor is what took me by surprise though. I had forgotten how laugh-out-loud the dialogues in an R.K Narayan novel could be, and how wholly a character’s personality and mannerisms be captured. The struggles Nataraj went through were so close to the surface, that I also felt as helpless as him while he was at the mercy of Vasu, or the other villagers.
The vagaries of an Indian village were also described beautifully, immediately transporting oneself back to a deceptively simpler time. And akin to how I’ve noticed Japanese novels or films tend to focus on the little details of life, and are experts at turning something seemingly mundane into a complex and intricate story, so does Narayan excel at creating an emotionally charged and “action” packed narrative out of the simplest of elements, thereby not only providing a slice-of-life window into people’s lives but also weaving a plot with a somewhat conclusive ending.
Second to Swami & Friends, this would have to be my favorite of all his books!
Nataraj’s subtle humor is what took me by surprise though. I had forgotten how laugh-out-loud the dialogues in an R.K Narayan novel could be, and how wholly a character’s personality and mannerisms be captured. The struggles Nataraj went through were so close to the surface, that I also felt as helpless as him while he was at the mercy of Vasu, or the other villagers.
The vagaries of an Indian village were also described beautifully, immediately transporting oneself back to a deceptively simpler time. And akin to how I’ve noticed Japanese novels or films tend to focus on the little details of life, and are experts at turning something seemingly mundane into a complex and intricate story, so does Narayan excel at creating an emotionally charged and “action” packed narrative out of the simplest of elements, thereby not only providing a slice-of-life window into people’s lives but also weaving a plot with a somewhat conclusive ending.
Second to Swami & Friends, this would have to be my favorite of all his books!
k_r's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
bookdragoness7's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 I thoroughly enjoyed it because I read it when I did...the ending was my favourite
shankari94's review against another edition
3.0
This was my second RK Narayan, after The Guide. Being completely blown over by The Guide, I decided to pick this one up.
The narrative is the regular Narayan style, you see glimpses to discontentment, mundanity, and occasional escapes from the reality. The reader is also reminded of the post-independence Nehruvian era where the story unfolds. With an eclectic mix of characters, Narayan doesn't let you dwell too much on anyone's actions or words.
With a pugnacious and virile Vasu entering the submissive Natraj's life, you cannot but fathom how Natraj and get past the most unwelcome visitor. As the story unfolds, you are more confused as to how the story will reach its capstone. The ending reminds the reader that even though a flat story, Narayan can still put his spin to it!
The narrative is the regular Narayan style, you see glimpses to discontentment, mundanity, and occasional escapes from the reality. The reader is also reminded of the post-independence Nehruvian era where the story unfolds. With an eclectic mix of characters, Narayan doesn't let you dwell too much on anyone's actions or words.
With a pugnacious and virile Vasu entering the submissive Natraj's life, you cannot but fathom how Natraj and get past the most unwelcome visitor. As the story unfolds, you are more confused as to how the story will reach its capstone. The ending reminds the reader that even though a flat story, Narayan can still put his spin to it!
unoriginalinspiration's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
amrith10's review against another edition
3.0
Starts off wonderfully but rather tapers off. The dark humor, however, is sublime.
smreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5