Book Review (Theory of settlement)

Book Title : Swami and friends

Author: R.K.Narayan

Simple language, familiar settings and an aura of homeliness make up the crux of this brilliantly worded novel.  Eleven year old Swaminathan and his friends; the mighty Mani, clever Rajam and meek Pea; paint the town red with their juvenile antics. Set in Malgudi, the entire story is projected as a satire and written through the eyes of young Swaminathan. Hence, even the most mundane happenings are larger than life. The simple joys of running downhill with a hoop and taking a dip in a river with friends are described with all the innocence of a tween. The indomitable teacher, Vedanayagam; Swami’s sullen headmaster and all the rigours of school life are described in tactful detail.

The town of Malgudi is an idealistic south Indian setting along the banks of the fictitious river, Sarayu. Like any other society, it has its own street divisions based on occupation. Vinayaka Mudali Street where Swami lives is a middle class neighbourhood housing doctors, lawyers and the like. Lawley extension which is also Rajam’s neighborhood is an upper class lane consisting of several rows of neat bungalows, mostly occupied by government officials. Abu lane (a low class neighbourhood), Grove street, Ellaman street (occupied by oil mongers) and Nallappa’s mango groves are all other featured aspects of Malgudi.

Malgudi is a very real interpretation of a typical South Indian (tamilian) lifestyle. The author has accordingly played up the importance of religion, Hinduism in particular, in day to day living. His description of Swami’s home, its linear layout and dark vestibules is apt. The threshold with its open drainage on which Swami floats paper boats and the compound walls which provide Swami and friends with ready seating are all subtle reminders of a past which is timeless. Albert Mission School, the bane of Swami’s existence, reflects colonial influence on our society. Images of the school evoked by the author include large vertical French windows and corridors lined with classrooms opening into a playground. Sunset on the sandy banks of the glistening river Sarayu, the gentle breeze ruffling the leaves of Peepul trees lined on the dusty roads, the occasional tinkling of a bullock cart, the hustle and bustle of Ameer Mart and the cheerful banter of young boys rolling along a hoop in the scorching heat; all make me want to break the reality-fiction continuum to enter the town of Malgudi. Its sights, sounds, simplicity and humbleness lure me into a nostalgic reverie.

The author’s expertise lies in the fact that although Malgudi is deep rooted in realism; he manages to give it a certain fictional sheen which lends the book its docile charm.

A sense of something lost and something gained prevails as a footnote long after the book has been kept aside.