Every so often - you must have experienced this - you discover a new author, and it's really one of those exciting moments when you realise they've written a dozen novels and maybe half a dozen short stories that you will be able to enjoy over the coming months. I remember at the age of 10 reading the Just William books by Richmal Compton, then discovering at 14, Ian Flemming, before moving on to P G Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh. In my 30s I found F Scott Fitzgerald, Steinbeck and Faulkner, having devoured short stories by H H Munro (Saki), Maupassant and O Henry. Yesterday I was introduced to the work of an Indian author many of you in England will have read, and I feel guilty about having discovered him so late in life. I want to share with you the fulfilling R K Narayan. I'm starting with Malgudi Days, a collection of his short stories. If you've got nothing to do this bank holiday weekend, rush out to your nearest library or bookshop and grab a copy of anything he's written, because he's sheer magic.
55 Comments:
Mr Archer, Really I am shocked that you have not heard of our R K Narayan! Tell me how did you prepare for your arrival in India? Were you not in the least bit curious to know what the English speaking population of my country was brought upon, literature wise?
Let me open out a vast new horizon for you with our version of the holy trinity - just three names: Mulk Raj Anand, R K Narayan, Raja Rao. They marked the true literary beginning of Indian writing in English. In a nutshell, Anand appears to have presented man as a social being, Raja Rao seems to have concentrated on his metaphysical aspect while Narayan reveals a distinct preference for the portrayal of the individuality of man- Man as he constructs himself in the humdrum routine of his mundane world!
Narayan evokes mixed feelings as he seems to have no worthy sustenance for the sophisticated palate …just ask Shashi Tharoor one of India’s Golden Boys who lambasted him in an article and later gave a remorse filled rejoinder to his critics!
But then it is like criticising a brook for babbling, the leaves for rustling, the green grass for being ...green! How can one criticise the very essence of Narayan, his inherent simplicity! I read the following somewhere and would like to share it with you: A young lad and aspiring writer, who met Narayan, was at first rather disappointed that he had not been given any advice byte famous author nor had he spoken of the profundities of life! “Narayan however helped me understand the true meaning of a Zen parable. A priest was boasting to Master Bankei that his own master by holding a paint brush on one bank could write through the air the name of Amida on a sheet of paper held by his disciple on the other bank. Master Bankei gently and smilingly responded : ‘That is not the subject of zen. My miracle is I eat when I am hungry I drink when I am thirsty’”. Thus, concluded the young lad, in the world of Indian literature, Malgudi is like the miracle of zen : simple ordinary useful, capable of surviving and inspiring living.
Enjoy wandering in the by-lanes of Malgudi, Mr Archer, as you savour RK Narayan’s 15 novels, hundreds of stories, the best of them found in two volumes 'Malgudi Days', 'Under the Banyan Tree and other stories', the adaptations of two Indian epics 'Mahabharatha' and 'Ramayana', travel documentaries, essays, innumerable press articles and finally his brilliant and revealing autobiography 'My Days'!
Afan at UNOM
Lord Archer,
It was a pleasure to attend your talk today at Pune and an experience of a lifetime.
I too am an ardent reader of R.K.Narayan.
Since you enjoyed his short stories do try to watch the series made on his stories.
They are wonderfully made and enacted.
Your fan since the age of 12 for the last 25 yrs.,
Anuja Modi
I'll buy it.
Have you ever read Alice Munro?
Richard, Bristol
Hello sir,
This is Sandip Patil. One of your ardent fans. ANd why not , if the first novel of your life is Not a penny less not a penny more!!!. I am sad that i came to know @ this blog so late. But i will be Posting a lot of messages for you.
And, good to hear that you had a great trip in India. Alas, at such a prestigious moment, i am in USA. But I followed all of your interviews and meetings and felt delighted that you were treated nicely.
Hope you read my message and response. I read that you respond to your fans' mails. I would like to listen a lot from you amidst your hectic schedule.
Thanks and Love,
Sandip Patil
Malgudy Days is simply magical..simple yet engrossing.
You may like Ruskin Bond as well.
In India, we're lucky that our English Reader in school (8,9,10th grade) has stories from Malgudy Days,Ruskin Bond, H.H. Munro, Vikram Seth among other giants of literature.
I attended the book launch in Pune and it was indeed a pleasure to see and listen to you.
I know you'll read this.
Remember us...
Naveen N.
Better late than Never!
Next you should try "Swami & Friends" by R.K.Narayan. Also his association(/friendship) with Graham Greene & his notes on his travels will interest you.
Mr. Archer i caught your show on TV and as always you are a true storyteller. I have read all your books except A Prisoner of Birth. Planning to get a copy this weekend.
I have recently started blogging and while I am no writer would be great if you could please take a look.
Cheers.
PS - We had a TV series running about 15 years back which dramatised the entire Malgudi Days. Was fantastic.
Lord Archer... I REALLY wanted to meet with you but narrowly missed you at Pune. I heard that you were great, are you going to come back anytime soon. Also, are you doing a US tour? I am having a friend meet with you today at Bangalore to have my favorite book signed “as the crow flies”, I absolutely LOVE it. Have a great stay in India and PLEASE come back!
My Lord,
It would be good if you can grab a copy of "Malgudi Days" DVD from the Landmark stores. This was a televised series by the Late Shankar Nag, and a fitting tribute to R.K.Narayan. Of course, you have to see this after you have read his works. Also, R.K.Laxman, brother of the late R.K.Narayan is a famous cartoonist ( I am sure you must have heard about him) and I am sure Landmark will have copies of his works.
Hope to catch you tonight at Forum.
maybe you can squeeze in ahmedabad in your itinerary. i would be much grateful.
Lord Archer... I REALLY wanted to meet with you but narrowly missed you at Pune. I heard that you were great, are you going to come back anytime soon. Also, are you doing a US tour? I am having a friend meet with you today at Bangalore to have my favorite book signed “as the crow flies”, I absolutely LOVE it. Have a great stay in India and PLEASE come back!
am surprised that you are not familiar with R.K. Narayan's works, as he is considered one of the most accomplished/ prominent authors from india.
Hope you have good fun with Swami and Friends, Malgudi days.
Malgudi Days by R.K.Narayan is a masterpiece and appeals to one and all because one can identify with the characters portrayed in the book.'The Guide','Waiting for the Mahatma','The Financial Expert' are just a few of his many masterpieces.
BANGLORED!!
To use a very military expression to describe a wonderful experience with Mr Jeffery Archer.
To begin with he was military precise in his timing and later kept up a promise like a boy scout to sign every single copy that was presented to him (and some like me who also presented some pictures to be autographed!!)
Many in the audience were appreciative of the suggested short story writers like Saki,O'henry etc.
Mr Archer mentioned of two sons of the soil who have inspired him recently:
R K Narayan , whose works he has started to discover only now and of course Rahul Dravid who according to him symbolises what is called as Cricket!
Both these names drew a lot of cheers.
The whole autograph experience was not pleasant for some as many very first timers and did not understand that to get an autograph the first quality you need to possess is patience followed by passion which Mr Archer attributed to his drive to continue writing day after day.
Personally I have have been collecting autographs for the last 24 years from personalities as diverse as H H Dalai Lama to Amitabh Bachhan. All the personalities are themselves always filled with humility and connect with the public instantly and Mr Archer was no exception only that he was methodical too!
Amongst the autograph seekers were many first timers but one elderly lady was a gem, she has been collecting autographs for the last many years. The zeal and enthusiasm displayed by her was only matched by Mr Archer who by my rough estimate would have signed close to a 1500 autographs without a break and with a smile.
A+++++ rating from an Indian army officer and all the very best for the rest fo the tour.
Regards.
You are absolutely right Sir Jeffrey. RK Narayan is one of the greatest Indian writers. Sir, i just finished reading 'A Prisoner of Birth' and i loved it immensely. I cannot say if it was your best i have read till date because i equally enjoyed reading 'Kane and Abel', 'The Eleventh Commandment' among others. Danny Cartwright is a great character but my favourite was the old Sir Matthew Redmayne.
Dear Lord
I was among the lucky ones to be present there when you named those books and was even luckier when i got to ask you a question .It was a dream come true seeing you in flesh,I wanted to ask another question..wonder if it be answered here.Since i have read Sons of Fortune i have wondered who actually became the governor NATH or FLETCHER..two words "turned around" have played havoc in my mind ever since.And so great of you to acknowledge R.K.Narayan..a jewel of indian writing.Bangalore is happy to have seen you.
Tazeem
I was there at Bangalore Landmark and you signed three books for me. I am grateful for that. On the current subject, you might remember a lady who mentioned one Satyajit Ray. He is known as India's greatest director. Days before his death, he won an academy award. Since he is considered an "Auteur" of 20th century Cinema, its almost obvious that his stories and books reflect the same intensity as his serious (and sometimes not) brand of cinema. I suggest you try it.
Thanks again Sir, for the visit. I only wish more authors take the cue.
Dear Sir,
I would like to thank you for visiting our city Pune.
I was very lucky to meet you and a another great man R .K Laxman (this is one of his very rare public appearance) on the same day and enjoyed your speech.
Viji Paul
Pune.
R.K. Narayan is amazing....clearly the best Indian short story writer ever.
'Swamy and Friends' is amazing.
i can't agree more with you because i have discovered you this year and that too by chance and felt guilty that i discovered you so late. Although am 21 now, my 'literary journey' started way back from the age of 7. So, you can well imagine my despair. Your short stories are truly mind blowing, amazing, most enjoyable collected ones that i have ever read! And now you have started me on a frenzy of completing all your works.
About K. R. Narayan sir, i think his works are so honest and cute :)
In India (that's where am from), Malgudi days have been made into a TV series. Lastly, i saw your interview on CNN and your specs look good on you. Keep writing more short stories, you truly have a gift!!
The real event...
Monsieur Archer,
This is more of a behind the scene story of what actually happened on May 20, 2008. Like other so called your fans, I too was there at the Landmark Mumbai, waiting for your arrival for the book signing session. I stay in south Mumbai, 32 kms away from the mall. I made sure I was present at the event before time so i could treat myself with the best seat. I entered the bookshop at 4.30, when the organizers were still setting up the stage. I had got my copy of a prisoner of birth along. The Landmark authority refused me to carry my copy inside to get it signed. They insisted on me purchasing a new one. I explained them that any true fan of Jeffrey Archer would have the book much before this date, and like me he/she would have already read it twice already. It made no sense to purchase the book again. They would not to pay heed to what i said. I tried hard to convince them to allow me taking the book inside. But it was all in vain. But they were there clearly only to make business. I put forward another argument saying that i had been waiting for this tour since a year, keeping a track on your every move with the help of your blogs and official website. I am a writer and you are my role model. Everything was futile. Nothing worked on them. I could not put much contumacy - I am still an unknown being to be respected. I already owned every book of yours and did not know what to do. I was depressed and sat there crying. My friend, who had accompanied me to the store, asked me to recheck if i had missed out on any book written by you. I told her that was not possible, although i am one third of your age, i have collected and read all the books, available in India. However, I told her, there was a book, which was not written by you, but recounted. I was trying hard to get it for a long time but couldn't. I tried my luck, and indeed God was on my side. I pick up Gospel According to Judas from the store and quickly placed myself on the seat that had been reserved for me not by a placard but with my bag. Once the book signing session started, there were many who held different books written by you, until date. Peeping at the book I held, they told me you will not be signing book written by some other author. Some of the commenter were journalists and authorities organizing the event. I simply smiled and replied, "Gospel According to Judas is his book and he will surely sign it." And you did. Later I found out that i was the only person, who got your signature on the Gospel... your other self proclaimed fans were not even aware about the existence of such a book. The question now does not remain unanswered to me - who is your biggest fan in Mumbai. To my delight I have a photograph with you published in one of the leading Gujarathi magazine, Chitralekha. Thank you for the gift.
This is about your book Prisoner of Birth.
While you showed the distress and hardships of the book's protagonist Danny Cartwright in great detial, it was dissapointing to see that Spencer Craig's punishment was left to the imagination of the viewers.Only after the last statement of 'Guilty' by Davenport, are the criminals 'hopefully' sent to jail.
I would have liked to find out what punishment they got,and how were they executed.I mean, i eagerly waited throughout the 'fat' book for the Craig to be beaten badly for his sins, but even at the end we its not revealed what happens to him.
Jeffrey,
While I am writing this, I am watching your interview in the TV. I just cannot believe that Jeffrey Archer is finally in India. I and my friends use to pick up your books from the library quite often. I think you should come down to Bangalore as well in that fits your schedule!
RK Narayanan's Malgudi days is a very interesting book. I enjoyed reading it. Hope you do too.
yeah you are right.But the funny thing is i felt it that way about you too.started with kane and abel in january 2007.after reading it when i found that you have also written a lot of other novels,i was over the moon...have read most of them...but it's a great feeling if you are a book lover
and about RK Narayan all i can say is he is one of the best indian authors along with manoj das....rabindranath tagore etc..
Respected Sir,
Can a Student of age 15 read Prisoner of Birth?
why dont you come to ahmedabad please?there are many people who would be very happy to meet you. theere is also a landmark store here and also an international airport. is a nice friendly city. plz do come i have given my email id its shivanshpandya15@gmail.com
Hi...Sir, you're sheer magic as well.. and your greatest fans are indians..
The great Jeffrey Archer... Right in my own back yard in Chennai & I was not around to see him... at least breath the same air that he used up... I did lose the best opportunity to see that person I adore, probably worship... this incredibly must be the biggest miss in my 28 years of existence... It is wonderful that you speak about Malgudi Days with such appreciation... A great Author - R K Narayanan... Someone whom you could look in to would be Ruskin Bond - another lovely writer... Sir, I am honoured that you came down to my city... This is the first time that I am writing to you... I know I would be doing this more often... - Cheers Rajil Vijayan a.k.a Reggie
Are you planning to write something like A Matter of Honour, or Honour Among Thieves?
Most of your recent work has become little "constricted" in terms of the canvas.
If I may add, has it to do with the happenings in your personal life?
In any case, I have youe autographed photo sent about 10 years back. Any chance I can send a book for an autograph?
Regards,
T.
R.K. Narayan is of course a great choice. Better late than never!
The Indian National TV channel had in fact adapted Malgudi Days as teleserials.
Dear Mr. Archer,
I am really thrilled at your discovery of RK Narayan. Please do not miss his novels, Swami and friends, The Printer of Malgudi-Mr. Sampath, The Man eater of Malgudi, The guide, and his autobiography-My Days.
Good evening sir!
I am sorry to say i havent read your books so far!
But my sister is a huge fan of yours!
And thanks to her i came along to get her book autographed by you,sir.(in landmark)
I was so impressed by your speech that i bought Kane and Abel and got it autographed by you! And as soon as i came home i started reading it.
I like the book sooooooo much!
sir, Please do continue writing such nice books sir!
Sir, I am manoshij banerjee, it is recent that i have completed prisoner of birth and now i am looking forward to starting with the prison diaries, i haven't read them, till now.
feels good to have you in my country, i would be glad enough, to have your attention to my blog, and i should be grateful, i you could take the pain to comment on my writing.here is the link:
http://manoshijanalyzing.blogvis.com
wishing you all the best, keep enthralling us with your pen.
manoshij banerjee
Dear Mr. Archer (if you ever read this),
I am a new fan of yours. I'm delighted by your frank expressions about India. I've now realized how differently the rest of the world views my country. Do keep writing your blogs.. I enjoyed reading every line.
I share your interest in R.K. Narayan books. You should try his book named - "Waiting For The Mahatma".
With warm wishes,
Ria
Sir,
I have been reading and re-reading your books for more than 10 years now and have always wondered if I could ever tell you what a wonderful and immaculate storyteller you are. Well, you granted my wish by adding Bangalore to your Indian tour itinerary.
It was an absolute honor to see you up close and listen to you talk. While I got a copy of my all time favorite "As The Crow Flies" signed, I feebly managed to tell you that it was an honor to meet you. That summed up a few hundreds of things I wanted to say. It was worth everything and more to wait in the long winding queue to see you up close. My respect and admiration for you grew ten-fold while I watched you sign every single book patiently through the evening.
Never too late to have read "Malgudi Days"
:)
Hi Jeffrey,
Late is ok, while never would hurt even bad. So in this case its good to know you've met R K Narayan and I am glad you think he is magical cause I did think the same of him the day I met him once in Mysore.
I am sure you are very busy in India, I would really like it if you could read my latest post on my blog, and tell me what you think of the post and ofcourse the writing.
Cheers,
Vinay
an ardent fan of your's I am, missed meeting you in Bangalore. Got caught up in the terrible traffic, which I believe you have already experienced, besides getiing late to leave work. I am glad you liked Malgudi days, I grew up reading that book, infact it was made into a TV series as well. take care. btw, your shortstories are very good, even better than your novels. I have read all. take care.
You have a lot of fans in Kerala
Pl do drop in to Kerala when you come next time
Sir, What kind of books do you like to read?
Dear Mr. Archer,
I read your books and enjoy reading them. Have to yet finish prisoner of birth, am halfway through. You have made Danny come to life, its very easy to think of him as a real person. In my childhood I have seen the malgudi days on t.v., each episode was a short story and it was quite a rage amongst us children during those days, having seen it, I am curious to read it as well. I wish you have a pleasant stay in India and hope you carry with you sweet memories.
Kavita (Mumbai, India).
Read your interview with Bangalore times today :-)you in India :-)rock your time in India....its really a fab place..life cant get better than this or worse than this ;-)contradicting yet true about India :-)
Hi Mr Archer. Don't forget to read "Swami and Friends". I think I've read that about 40 times - cover to cover.
Thanks for the tip, will keep in mind, but is he as gripping as you? Have just finished reading A Prisoner of Birth, and went on to read the prison diaries. What an eye opener! So many people who do not deserve to be there seem to be. As for the directives from above..the then Home Secretary has come and gone. Sweet irony.
Dear Mr. Archer,
I'm totally and completely in awe of you, the way you write and the way you put forth your ideas. I started reading you at the age of I think 13, and it's not too long ago for I'm not much older now. Your style of writing is something I wish I could learn from. I enjoy writing a lot too. I do write poetry and short stories as well. In fact, I was ranked fifth in the nation at the Classmate Young Author Contest in 2005.Your interview on TV was the best interview I've seen till date and I don't know how to put it, but you are truly amazing!Just in case you haven't read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, please do get to reading it for it is a beautiful book! It is very different from your genre of writing but I trust you will enjoy it. Signing off for now, here's a young Indian who aspires to meet with you and talk to you someday! That will be a dream come true:-)
RK was one of the greatest writers ever. It would be shocking to know that he wasn't given the Nobel, thanks to the fact that he was Indian.
Hi Archer,
Sorry i missed to meet u at Forum here in bangalore. I feel sad why i didn come to know abt that a bit early..but i am enjoying reading ur latest book Prisioner of Birth. But frankly it not that great. A novel written for the sake of writing a novel.. It is nowhere can be compared with your prison diaries. May be bcoz i had read those books earlier. And that made me to select this book to read.. best of luck. Hop to c u next time when u come to india..
and i recommend RK Laxmans "Swami And Friends". Its a masterpiece. Only few people can write with the mind set of a child. like "To kill the mocking bird" by Harper Lee..
regards,
Jiya
Richard, Bristol - no I haven't.
Thank you all for your very kind comments - I have read all your posts, and much appreciate you taking the time to write. Sorry I haven't been able to respond to each one individually. Best wishes, Jeffrey.
Rajil Vijayan - sorry you missed my talk in Chennai, and thank you for the recommendation of Ruskin Bond - who I have already read. Best wishes, Jeffrey.
tazeem - many thanks for your comment on 'Sons of Fortune'. If you look at the beginning of chapter 31, this should answer your question as to who becomes governor! Best, wishes, Jeffrey.
Tarun - I enjoy short stories - F.Scott Fitzgerald and H H Munro, as well as Charles Dickens and Alexandre Dumas, amongst others. Best wishes, Jeffrey.
Tushagar - you are welcome to send a book for me to sign - email me at questions@jeffreyarcher.co.uk and I'll give you a mailing address. Best wishes.
which is an omnibus of all the stories that R.K.Narayan has written set in his fascinating little town.The other book of his that I enjoyed thoroughly was "WAITING FOR THE MAHATMA".Catch any chance to read that book..it is one of his best.
your ardent fan,
Anaghaa
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