Book Review: Swami and Friends - Malgudi Schooldays

A hilarious book with deep and heartfelt meaning behind each and every little story.

Age Rating: 8+

Pleasure Rating: 9.7/10

R.K. Narayan is an esteemed Indian author who is famous for his Malgudi Days novel, but the one that is the most fun for kids is Malgudi Days, Swami and Friends.

Summary

R.K. Narayan's classic stories about the adventures of Swami and his friends Rajam and Mani, in a sleepy picturesque South Indian town called Malgudi, have regaled both young and old for years. Swami's days are full of action. When he is not creating a ruckus in the classroom or preparing, in his inimitable way, for exams, he is dreaming about running down the streets of Malgudi with the coachman's son's hoop; playing tricks on his grandmother; or stoning the school windows, inspired by a Swadeshi demonstration. But the greatest feat of Swami and his friends lies in putting together a cricket team for the MCC (the Malgudi Cricket Club) and challenging the neighboring Young Men's Union to a match. Just before the match however, things go horribly wrong, and Swami has no option but to run away from home, wanting never to return

What I Like:

Who doesn't like a classic book in general? First off all, Malgudi days is an extremely nostalgic book which brings back memories to my grandparents of the Swadeshi movement and British Rule in India as well as school and home life. The book touched upon the Swadeshi movement lightly while still bringing to light the problems and disgrace faced by Indians during British colonialism.

5

"The past is gone, the present is going, and tomorrow is day after tomorrow's yesterday. So why worry about anything?" - R. K. Narayan

I also like the playfulness of it. Often, in our busy world, we forget that we are merely children and we are meant to enjoy our life before we have responsibilities thrusted on us as adults. Mani, Rajam and Swami make an amazing trio who get into trouble a whole lot, their problems start when they start a cricket club.

One of my favorite characters in the story is Swami's grandmother who's story span on for lifetimes. It reminds me of the stories my grandfather tells me.

Also, I liked the relatability of it all. Though Malgudi Days was written in our grandparents' time, it is something that the kids of Gen Z can relate to, fretting before exams, dealing with bullies and hiding report cards from your parents. Along with school, the food, sports and game trends are all the same.

Last, but not least, the illustration are beautifully drawn and carefully though out by R. K. Laxman, R. K. Narayan's brother.

What I Didn't:

Because this is a positive review, I can't think of any negative points at all. Though this isn't one of the best book I've read, it certainly is a great classic with not many negative points to dwell on. If you guys have any other negative or positive points, be sure to comment about them below.

That's all from me, "The Book Keeper"