Friday, December 7, 2001

Book Review: The World of Nagraj by RK Narayan

The World of Nagraj
By: R. K. Narayan
Indian Thought Publication [Link]

“The World of Nagraj” is a classic novel from the great author RK Narayan. It is one of the stories set in the town of Malgudi.

Nagraj is a man of leisure, living in Kabir Street of Malgudi with his wife and old mother. He is blessed with inheritance, which gives him a big house and money sufficient to lead a life without working for money. His wife couldn’t have a child, but he is happy that his brother has a child, called Tim. Nagraj has a dream to write the story of divine sage Narada, the eternal wanderer who spread stories from one world to the other resulting in curious happenings. The story also covers his old mother, his elder brother Gopu and his wife, Gopu’s son Tim, and various characters from the town of Malgudi. The world of Nagraj takes a turn when Tim comes to live with him. Nagraj proves to be an ineffective guardian in a way. But when looked through his lens, we can understand the reason why couldn’t be harsh on the kid. Readers get to know Nagraj, understand him, his fancies and his ways, and I believe they fell in love with him.

As it occurs in most of the RK Narayan stories, the city of Malgudi can be taken as any midsize town of India whether in Northern or Southern parts, and the characters are so very Indian in nature that we (Indian readers) feel as if the story revolves around us.

The World of Nagraj has been such a wonder read for me and I would remember and love it for lifetime…

- Rahul

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