R.K Narayan

Saturday, 29 July, 2006

Today, I completed R.K.Narayan's 'My Dateless Diary'. It is a compilation on experiences of his American Journey in 1956 (exactly 50 years ago). He narrates more about his meeting with different personaliities, and his work on 'Guide' (which he completed when he was here) but there are few glimpses of the American lifestyle expressed in his own unique simple style. 

The New York he described in it has not changed much. The Empire state building, the Madison square, the numerous streets, all are as they were then. But there are few changes too. Like for instance, fifty-cents was then considered a decent tip to a taxi driver but now we are expected to give around two to four dollars. Then the beggar asked him for a dime, but now they ask for dollars.

As I read it, I felt it a little boring somewhere, but when I finished it, I felt, it shouldn't have. It was like my morning tea has suddenly gone empty. I read more on R K and his works and as I read I felt, I should have read his works long back.

So if you can grab any of his works, don’t hesitate. It’s sure to give you a pleasant reading time.

Trivia -

The Malgudi creator, R K Narayan was short-listed for Nobel Prize several times, someone who could come so close to it after Rabindranath Tagore. His works were translated into every European language.