Write Your Favorite Incident About My Days Book By Rk Narayan
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Answer:
I find that many readers, including R.K. Narayan’s fans, are not aware of his autobiography. This review is an attempt to make them aware of its existence.
To me, RKN is unique. He is one of the very few truly Indian writers of repute. A common man from an average family who wasn’t foreign educated. A man who lived in India, wrote in India, and wrote about India. That makes him more Indian than the likes of Jumpa Lahri, Salman Rushdie and VS Naipaul.
Unlike some writers of Indian origin who live overseas and look down their noses on their motherland, RKN’s writing passes no judgement on this strange, complex, lovable country. His stories are perceptions (often melancholic) of very ordinary men and women who live, toil, serve and die in India.
Now coming to the book, I found it fascinating. I bought the Kindle version as it was significantly cheaper than the physical one, and because I could obtain it instantly (the local book shops did not carry this book).
The numerous tales from a bygone era in Mysore and Madras stirred something in me; something that took me to another place, another world and held me enthralled. Perhaps, it was because they reminded me of stories I had heard in my childhood from my grandfather and uncles. Perhaps they were so deeply Indian that I could relate to them more than anything I have read recently.
The other fascinating aspect was an honest insight into a celebrated writer’s mind and outlook. His struggles in making two ends meet, in getting published, and the conflicts of living up to his father’s expectations were engrossing. His views on literature, fiction and writing were things I could relate to.
I think I loved the book because I am a fan of RKN’s writing. I am not sure if the people who don’t care for it would like it so much. Therefore, this evaluation, made unashamedly, is entirely subjective.
If you are a RKN fan and haven’t read this book, you must do so. If you are not, don’t go only by my review. I can offer no assurances to readers who are unfamiliar with or don’t like RKN’s writing.