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R.K. Narayan

Nationality: Indian
Years: 1906 – 2001
Awards: Padma Vibhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award
Style: Gentle, humane, observational

Where to Start

Malgudi Days

His most beloved short story collection and the easiest doorway to Malgudi.

R.K. Narayan was one of the foundational figures of Indian English literature. Across more than fifteen novels and dozens of short stories, he created the fictional town of Malgudi and populated it with ordinary people whose lives were rendered with gentle humor and quiet wisdom. Encouraged early in his career by Graham Greene, Narayan wrote in clear, unornamented English that opened Indian fiction to a global audience.

Books by R.K. Narayan

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start with R.K. Narayan?
Start with Malgudi Days. His most beloved short story collection and the easiest doorway to Malgudi.
Where is R.K. Narayan from?
R.K. Narayan is Indian.
What is R.K. Narayan's writing style?
Gentle, humane, observational
What awards has R.K. Narayan won?
Padma Vibhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award