R.K. Narayan, (Author of the celebrated Novel--Swami and Friends)was born in Madras in the year 1906. His first Novel--’Swami and Friends’ was set in the enchanting fictional territory of Malgudi.
The book ’Swami and Friends’ is about the adventures of a school boy named Swaminathan and his friends Rajam and Mani in the sleepy and picturesque imaginary South Indian town of Malgudi. Swami, like most young and mischevous boys shudders at the very thought of school and examinations. He detests his teachers more than anyone in the world, especially Fire eyed Vedanayagam (his strict class teacher); the headmaster with his threatening face and long cane;and Mr.Ebenzar (his scripture teacher--a fanatic).
Swami’s days are full of action and adventure. He causes havoc in the classroom, breaks his school windows with well aimed stones, runs hoops down the Malgudi street, plays tricks on his grandmother and also makes fun of his teachers. Besides being such a monkey, Swami also has time to hero worship his best friends--Rajam and Mani.
But the boys also face the immense task of putting together a cricket team for the MCC (Malgudi Cricket Club) and challenging the neighbouring Young Men’s Union to a match.But before the match, things go HORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIBLY wrong and Swaminathan has no choise left than to run away from home.
Read the book to enjoy the brilliantly evocative and delightfully funny adventures of Swami!
The great Author: Apart from this book, Narayan has also
--->Written Many short stories............
--->published travel books..................
AND
---> translated indian epics and myths.
In 1980 Narayan was awarded the A.C.Benson medal by the Royal society of literature and was made a Honorary Member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. In 1989 he was made a member of the Rajya Sabha. In 2000 the Government of India conferred on him the Padma Vibhushan.
He is indeed a great Author.