R. K. Narayan

Indian novelist, The Guide

R. K. Narayan - Indian novelist, The Guide
Born

October 10th, 1906
118 years ago

Died

2001
24 years ago — 95 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

India

Links & References

An influential Indian author, R. K. Narayan created vivid depictions of Indian life through a distinctive narrative style. Born in 1906, Narayan became a pivotal figure in Indian literature in English, with a career spanning several decades. His works often featured the fictional town of Malgudi, which served as a backdrop for many of his stories. The novel 'The Guide' received significant acclaim and was adapted into a successful film, cementing his status as a leading literary figure. Narayan's contributions also include numerous short stories and novels that explore themes of tradition and modernity in India.

Authored 'The Guide', which won the Sahitya Akademi Award

Created the fictional town of Malgudi

Wrote 'Swami and Friends', his debut novel

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