Malgudi Days
- R K Narayan
Another wonderful treat from R.K.Narayan full of delicacies
in the form of short stories. Published by Indian Thought Publications. This
book has 246 pages full of wit and other emotions and a simple cover. Costs
Rs.115. This book is divided into 5 parts – firstly ‘Author’s introduction’,
‘From an Astrologer’s Day’, ‘From Lawley Road’, ‘New Stories’ and finally the
Glossary.
If anyone asks me what I did all these holidays I would very
well reply that I enjoyed at Malgudi. I know it sounds really stupid ‘cause
this place is imaginary and not to be found on any map. But it is true that the
author became really successful in creating such a place in the minds of the
readers. There are many characters. I am thankful to all of them because they
came alive and kept company all these days. It is really difficult to choose a
favourite story or character because I liked all. But I’d like to brief you
about ‘A Father’s Help’, starring one of my most favourite characters ever – Swami. Just like us he was also reluctant to get up
and go to school on a Monday morning. He lied that he had a headache and his
mother and grandmother, as always, supported him but his strict father insisted
on his going to school. He excused himself for being so late that he can’t go
to school and explained how his class teacher Mr. Samuel used to torture the
students who come late to class, adding more masalas by himself while
explaining. So his father took it as a challenge and wrote a letter addressing the
headmaster, he wrote plenty of things about Mr. Samuel, just the way he had
explained. Swami was forced to leave and then he began to regret for having
said so much. He thought that he’d give the letter later and walked towards the
class hoping that he’d get punished. But his hopes turned out to be wrong and
he became so determined to get punished (otherwise he’ll not have any evidence
for this letter).
I hope that you will also enjoy your holidays at Malgudi,
just the way I did! Just flip through the pages and get ready to be transported
to the town of Malgudi !!
T.Anagha Sivadas
IX C
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