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My Days: A Memoir
In his usual winning, humorous style, R. K. Narayan shares his life story, beginning in his grandmother's garden in Madras with his ferocious pet peacock. As a young boy with no interest in school, he trains grasshoppers, scouts, and generally takes part in life's excitements. Against the advice of all, especially his commanding headmaster father, the dreaming Narayan takes to writing fiction, and one of his pieces is accepted by Punch magazine (his "first prestige publication"). Soon his life includes bumbling British diplomats, curious movie moguls, evasive Indian officials, eccentric journalists, and "the blind urge" to fall in love. R. K. Narayan's larger-than-life perception of the human comedy is at once acute and forgiving, and always true to it.
186 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 1973
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About the author
R.K. Narayan
124books1,892followersR. K. Narayan is among the best known and most widely read Indian novelists who wrote in English.
R.K. Narayan was born in Madras, South India, in 1906, and educated there and at Maharaja's College in Mysore. His first novel, Swami and Friends and its successor, The Bachelor of Arts, are both set in the enchanting fictional territory of Malgudi and are only two out of the twelve novels he based there. In 1958 Narayan's work The Guide won him the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, his country's highest literary honor.
In addition to his novels, Narayan has authored five collections of short stories, including A Horse and Two Goats, Malguidi Days, and Under the Banyan Tree, two travel books, two volumes of essays, a volume of memoirs, and the re-told legends Gods, Demons and Others, The Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. In 1980 he was awarded the A.C. Benson Medal by the Royal Society of Literature and in 1982 he was made an Honorary Member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.
Most of Narayan's work, starting with his first novel Swami and Friends (1935), captures many Indian traits while retaining a unique identity of its own. He was sometimes compared to the American writer William Faulkner, whose novels were also grounded in a compassionate humanism and celebrated the humour and energy of ordinary life.
Narayan who lived till age of ninety-four, died in 2001. He wrote for more than fifty years, and published until he was eighty seven. He wrote fourteen novels, five volumes of short stories, a number of travelogues and collections of non-fiction, condensed versions of Indian epics in English, and the memoir My Days.
-Wikipedia & Amazon.co.uk
R.K. Narayan was born in Madras, South India, in 1906, and educated there and at Maharaja's College in Mysore. His first novel, Swami and Friends and its successor, The Bachelor of Arts, are both set in the enchanting fictional territory of Malgudi and are only two out of the twelve novels he based there. In 1958 Narayan's work The Guide won him the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, his country's highest literary honor.
In addition to his novels, Narayan has authored five collections of short stories, including A Horse and Two Goats, Malguidi Days, and Under the Banyan Tree, two travel books, two volumes of essays, a volume of memoirs, and the re-told legends Gods, Demons and Others, The Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. In 1980 he was awarded the A.C. Benson Medal by the Royal Society of Literature and in 1982 he was made an Honorary Member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.
Most of Narayan's work, starting with his first novel Swami and Friends (1935), captures many Indian traits while retaining a unique identity of its own. He was sometimes compared to the American writer William Faulkner, whose novels were also grounded in a compassionate humanism and celebrated the humour and energy of ordinary life.
Narayan who lived till age of ninety-four, died in 2001. He wrote for more than fifty years, and published until he was eighty seven. He wrote fourteen novels, five volumes of short stories, a number of travelogues and collections of non-fiction, condensed versions of Indian epics in English, and the memoir My Days.
-Wikipedia & Amazon.co.uk
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October 7, 2019
Must read for all enthusiasts of R.K. Narayan's writings. The book gives great insight into early influences on Narayan's writings. We come to know the inspiration behind his most famous creation-the fictional town of Malgudi. The book also painfully recounts the early loss of his wife and his attempts at reconciling with the truth. Great read
September 7, 2022
আর. কে. নারায়ণে� লেখা গল্প-উপন্যা� নয�, তাঁর এই আত্মজীবনীটা� প্রথ� পড়েছিলা� আমি। চেন্না�, আগ� যে-শহরে� না� ছিলো মাদ্রা�, যে-শহরে তাঁর ছোটোবেলা� অনেকটা অং� কেটেছিলো, সে� শহরে বসেই পড়েছিলা� বইটা� এম� কাণ্� ক্যানো করেছিলাম জানিনা� অন্য সব লেখা বা� দিয়� সবার আগ� লেখকের আত্মজীবনী কে পড়ে?
এইজন্য� যদিও আফসো� হয়ন� কখনও� তাঁর উপন্যা� কিংব� গল্প পড়া� সময় মিলিয়� মিলিয়� দেখেছি, অনেক উপাদান� নিজে� জীবন থেকে নিয়েছেন তিনি� মন� হয়েছে, একজন লেখকের মূ� অস্ত্র কল্পনাশক্ত� নয�, তাঁর অভিজ্ঞতা� নারায়� নিজে� জীবনের কাহিনি� শুনিয়েছেন স্বকীয় উপন্যাসে� আদলেই। নিচু তারে বাঁধ� সর� স্বর� চম� দেওয়া� প্রবণত� নে� একটুও। জীবনের অবশ্যম্ভাবী বিষা�-বেদন� সে� স্বরের তা� কাটত� পারেনি পুরোপুরি�
প্রিয় মানুষদের আত্মজীবনী পড়ত� ভালো লাগে� তাঁদের মত� হত� হব�, তাঁদের জীবন থেকে শিক্ষা নিতে হব�, এইসব আদর্�-ফাদর্শগত কারণ� নয়। এমনিই। কেমন ছিলো সময়টা� কেমন ছিলো পারিপার্শ্বি� সমাজ� মানুষ। বন্ধুবান্ধব। আল� জল বাতাস। বই পড়ত� ভালোবাসতেন? কী কী বই তাঁর জীবন পাল্টে দিয়েছ�? অন্তর্মুখী ছিলে�? নারায়ণে� সহোদ� আর. কে. লক্ষ্ম� আমার খু� প্রিয় কার্টুনিস্ট। দু� ভাইই নি� নি� সৃষ্টিক্ষেত্রে একইরকম খ্যাতি অর্জ� করেছেন� কীভাবে গড়ে উঠেছিল� তাঁর সাহিত্যচেতনা? সাহিত্যসৃষ্টির উদ্দীপন�? কীভাবে তৈরি হয� একটা উপন্যা�? কীভাবে সামলেছেন খ্যাতিকে? স্ত্রী� মৃত্যু� পর� অসহ্� মানসিক যন্ত্রণা থেকে মাথা তুলে কীভাবে আবার শুরু করেছিলেন লেখালিখি?
এইজন্য� যদিও আফসো� হয়ন� কখনও� তাঁর উপন্যা� কিংব� গল্প পড়া� সময় মিলিয়� মিলিয়� দেখেছি, অনেক উপাদান� নিজে� জীবন থেকে নিয়েছেন তিনি� মন� হয়েছে, একজন লেখকের মূ� অস্ত্র কল্পনাশক্ত� নয�, তাঁর অভিজ্ঞতা� নারায়� নিজে� জীবনের কাহিনি� শুনিয়েছেন স্বকীয় উপন্যাসে� আদলেই। নিচু তারে বাঁধ� সর� স্বর� চম� দেওয়া� প্রবণত� নে� একটুও। জীবনের অবশ্যম্ভাবী বিষা�-বেদন� সে� স্বরের তা� কাটত� পারেনি পুরোপুরি�
প্রিয় মানুষদের আত্মজীবনী পড়ত� ভালো লাগে� তাঁদের মত� হত� হব�, তাঁদের জীবন থেকে শিক্ষা নিতে হব�, এইসব আদর্�-ফাদর্শগত কারণ� নয়। এমনিই। কেমন ছিলো সময়টা� কেমন ছিলো পারিপার্শ্বি� সমাজ� মানুষ। বন্ধুবান্ধব। আল� জল বাতাস। বই পড়ত� ভালোবাসতেন? কী কী বই তাঁর জীবন পাল্টে দিয়েছ�? অন্তর্মুখী ছিলে�? নারায়ণে� সহোদ� আর. কে. লক্ষ্ম� আমার খু� প্রিয় কার্টুনিস্ট। দু� ভাইই নি� নি� সৃষ্টিক্ষেত্রে একইরকম খ্যাতি অর্জ� করেছেন� কীভাবে গড়ে উঠেছিল� তাঁর সাহিত্যচেতনা? সাহিত্যসৃষ্টির উদ্দীপন�? কীভাবে তৈরি হয� একটা উপন্যা�? কীভাবে সামলেছেন খ্যাতিকে? স্ত্রী� মৃত্যু� পর� অসহ্� মানসিক যন্ত্রণা থেকে মাথা তুলে কীভাবে আবার শুরু করেছিলেন লেখালিখি?
December 27, 2021
With the same assured, understated skill with which he wrote many a charming novel about self-deception and many an equally charming short story about the subtle ironies of fate, destiny and life in general, R.K Narayan, arguably the finest Indian writer of all time, sets out to chart and chronicle his own life, from his childhood to the seventh decade of his life, with customary grace, beauty and perceptive insight. And also with stirring economy - in less than a couple of hundred pages, he presents a lucid portrait of a man and also a man of letters growing and evolving in front of our eyes. "My Days", with a title that is a clever spin on his "Malgudi Days" is a lovely little slice of reminiscences and remembrances, embellished with the same intricacy of thought and emotion that marks his other works as well.
With a measured ease, the book takes us from his childhood, to his adolescence and youth, to manhood and eventually to his elderly years as an established writer, now calmed and mellowed by the passage of time, to take life and its ups and downs with a tranquil state of acceptance. The childhood sections of the book are predictably entertaining as they should be, punctuated with games, books, pets, vivid, wide-eyed recollections of experiences and memories of times spent with parents, grandparents and relatives. And yet, even in these parts, Narayan's deft touch of a writer in complete command of his prose is all too evident - these are made up of small, beautifully crafted scenes of whimsy and humour, in his misadventures with his various pets, in his times spent in his Madras home with his wise grandmother away from his parents living in some other town and his uncle, a pioneering photographer who took him on mesmerising trips through the town and also rendered realistically with elements of solitude and fear as well. Shuttling from one place to another, due to his father's appointment as a headmaster in different schools across the breadth of South India, Narayan samples many a memorable and unique experience of eccentric and enthusiastic teachers, friends, games, pastimes and more.
The first stirrings of his ambition to become a writer provide the most compelling scenes in the autobiography along with the humorous and even tragicomic situations that unfold and unravel in his middle-age. In his early youth, Narayan evolves wonderfully into a voracious reader sampling not only classic prose and poem but also popular fiction and thus developing a romantic, wistful personality of his own that would blossom further in full manhood and would also lend his work with its signature touch of melancholia. Infatuated with the beauty of words and of storytelling, he sets out to write, beginning with abstract poetry and prose and then cutting down his abstract style in favour of a cleaner method of storytelling, thus resulting in his first novel, "Swami and Friends".
We see Narayan go through all the expected trials and tribulations of being a writer, all handled naturally and with skillful credibility - the unreliability of payment of royalties, the callous manipulation by the high and mighty for their dishonest purposes, the constant sense of self-doubt and apprehension on the occasion of failure - this last is what most writers, aspiring or established, would resonate perfectly with. Narayan was literally unknown to most readers worldwide for a long, long time and he would have remained so, given the poor commercial performance, despite reasonable acclaim, of his early novels. It was Graham Greene, one of Narayan's best friends and his sole literary mentor, who took it upon himself to ensure that Narayan not only published his novels but that they also received an appreciative reading public. Greene is mentioned more than once for his persevering assistance and guidance and in one occasion, his condolence is also what cheers up Narayan during the darkest phase of his life and this book.
That phase is the death of his wife, Rajam - a catastrophe that throws a spanner in the writer's wheel of creativity and also, unexpectedly, leads him to the discovery of a life-altering revelation that also brings him back to writing and to life as well. The chapters after this significant episode in his life are devoted mostly to more of his struggles as a writer, his abortive and amusing attempts to start a journal called "Indian Thought", the humiliating terms and conditions of his novel "The Guide" being adapted into an expensive Hindi-language film (that earned so much popularity and also won so many awards due to its ballyhoo) and eventually some more charming memories spent with his daughter and grandchildren. And as in the rest of the book, these too are poignant, witty, warmly observed and lucidly written.
One suspects, however, an uncanny connection between Narayan and Greene. Both were boys with fathers who were headmasters, both were voracious readers in childhood and youth, both were terrified at childhood with strangers and shadows, both were also keen on travelling and savouring as many experiences as possible and both began their work of writing as journalists and both had even considered the profession of teaching, with the same level of apprehension. In the end, in the very final chapter, as Narayan brings his autobiography to a close, he muses that a book of this kind can only end on an abrupt note and this echoes wonderfully of the opening note to Greene's "A Sort of Life" - interestingly published only some years before "My Days". Perhaps being such close friends or kindred souls from the beginning, the two had influenced each other's imagination unconsciously as well. In either case, "My Days" is a simple, stirring yet profound little autobiography that helps us to know Mr. Narayan in an infinitely enjoyable way.
With a measured ease, the book takes us from his childhood, to his adolescence and youth, to manhood and eventually to his elderly years as an established writer, now calmed and mellowed by the passage of time, to take life and its ups and downs with a tranquil state of acceptance. The childhood sections of the book are predictably entertaining as they should be, punctuated with games, books, pets, vivid, wide-eyed recollections of experiences and memories of times spent with parents, grandparents and relatives. And yet, even in these parts, Narayan's deft touch of a writer in complete command of his prose is all too evident - these are made up of small, beautifully crafted scenes of whimsy and humour, in his misadventures with his various pets, in his times spent in his Madras home with his wise grandmother away from his parents living in some other town and his uncle, a pioneering photographer who took him on mesmerising trips through the town and also rendered realistically with elements of solitude and fear as well. Shuttling from one place to another, due to his father's appointment as a headmaster in different schools across the breadth of South India, Narayan samples many a memorable and unique experience of eccentric and enthusiastic teachers, friends, games, pastimes and more.
The first stirrings of his ambition to become a writer provide the most compelling scenes in the autobiography along with the humorous and even tragicomic situations that unfold and unravel in his middle-age. In his early youth, Narayan evolves wonderfully into a voracious reader sampling not only classic prose and poem but also popular fiction and thus developing a romantic, wistful personality of his own that would blossom further in full manhood and would also lend his work with its signature touch of melancholia. Infatuated with the beauty of words and of storytelling, he sets out to write, beginning with abstract poetry and prose and then cutting down his abstract style in favour of a cleaner method of storytelling, thus resulting in his first novel, "Swami and Friends".
We see Narayan go through all the expected trials and tribulations of being a writer, all handled naturally and with skillful credibility - the unreliability of payment of royalties, the callous manipulation by the high and mighty for their dishonest purposes, the constant sense of self-doubt and apprehension on the occasion of failure - this last is what most writers, aspiring or established, would resonate perfectly with. Narayan was literally unknown to most readers worldwide for a long, long time and he would have remained so, given the poor commercial performance, despite reasonable acclaim, of his early novels. It was Graham Greene, one of Narayan's best friends and his sole literary mentor, who took it upon himself to ensure that Narayan not only published his novels but that they also received an appreciative reading public. Greene is mentioned more than once for his persevering assistance and guidance and in one occasion, his condolence is also what cheers up Narayan during the darkest phase of his life and this book.
That phase is the death of his wife, Rajam - a catastrophe that throws a spanner in the writer's wheel of creativity and also, unexpectedly, leads him to the discovery of a life-altering revelation that also brings him back to writing and to life as well. The chapters after this significant episode in his life are devoted mostly to more of his struggles as a writer, his abortive and amusing attempts to start a journal called "Indian Thought", the humiliating terms and conditions of his novel "The Guide" being adapted into an expensive Hindi-language film (that earned so much popularity and also won so many awards due to its ballyhoo) and eventually some more charming memories spent with his daughter and grandchildren. And as in the rest of the book, these too are poignant, witty, warmly observed and lucidly written.
One suspects, however, an uncanny connection between Narayan and Greene. Both were boys with fathers who were headmasters, both were voracious readers in childhood and youth, both were terrified at childhood with strangers and shadows, both were also keen on travelling and savouring as many experiences as possible and both began their work of writing as journalists and both had even considered the profession of teaching, with the same level of apprehension. In the end, in the very final chapter, as Narayan brings his autobiography to a close, he muses that a book of this kind can only end on an abrupt note and this echoes wonderfully of the opening note to Greene's "A Sort of Life" - interestingly published only some years before "My Days". Perhaps being such close friends or kindred souls from the beginning, the two had influenced each other's imagination unconsciously as well. In either case, "My Days" is a simple, stirring yet profound little autobiography that helps us to know Mr. Narayan in an infinitely enjoyable way.
October 24, 2016
While reading this long-awaited memoir by one of the great Indian novelists in the 20th century, I wish I had known and read him sooner, in other words, I think I’m a latecomer regarding my acquaintance due to a few snags in the 1970s during my college days. I mean I usually saw some of his paperback novels in AsiaBooks, a multilingual bookshop on Sukhumvit Road between Soi 15-17 and, surprisingly, I didn’t know his fame perhaps because of such limited channels of social media then. So I generally bought some and read Graham Greene, W. Somerset Maugham, H.E. Bates, etc.
Around a decade ago I tried to explore his fiction then recently published in the two Everyman’s Library hardcovers. At first sight/reading, his wording, narrations and style look so simple that some might feel contemptuous and say anyone can do it; however, I think that’s easier said than done. One of the reasons is that Narayan’s written all his life, he’s a professional writer regarded as “one of the three leading English language Indian fiction writers, along with Raja Rao and Mulk Raj Anand�. ()
Reading this seventeen-chapter memoir is definitely my sheer delight since I have long known he has one entitled "My Days" so I simply keep waiting till I came across this copy on June 11 last month in an unnamed secondhand bookshop called “Booklovers" (when asked) on Soi Rambutri, Banglampoo in Bangkok. I’m not sure if it has its own website; this is just in case for those tourists who enjoy reading and book hunting in any bookshop famous for its service, help and reasonable prices in any country they visit.
In sum, as for those old or new fans of R.K. Narayan, you shouldn’t miss it because, I think, you could learn a lot and understand him more, especially some interesting backgrounds related to his motive, development and key novels and so on.
Around a decade ago I tried to explore his fiction then recently published in the two Everyman’s Library hardcovers. At first sight/reading, his wording, narrations and style look so simple that some might feel contemptuous and say anyone can do it; however, I think that’s easier said than done. One of the reasons is that Narayan’s written all his life, he’s a professional writer regarded as “one of the three leading English language Indian fiction writers, along with Raja Rao and Mulk Raj Anand�. ()
Reading this seventeen-chapter memoir is definitely my sheer delight since I have long known he has one entitled "My Days" so I simply keep waiting till I came across this copy on June 11 last month in an unnamed secondhand bookshop called “Booklovers" (when asked) on Soi Rambutri, Banglampoo in Bangkok. I’m not sure if it has its own website; this is just in case for those tourists who enjoy reading and book hunting in any bookshop famous for its service, help and reasonable prices in any country they visit.
In sum, as for those old or new fans of R.K. Narayan, you shouldn’t miss it because, I think, you could learn a lot and understand him more, especially some interesting backgrounds related to his motive, development and key novels and so on.
June 5, 2017
It is R.K.Narayan's autobiography. If you like his writing, you would enjoy this too. I liked it immensely. A simple - not so simple if you place the events in his time - life told humorously without any pretense. My only gripe would be that he could have written a little more: some interesting anecdotes abt the time when he worked as a reporter for a magazine and a little more on how he went about his assignment(from the Britishers) of writing a travel guide for Mysore. Those things were kept very succinct. Maybe, he thought they don't belong in an autobiography.
October 11, 2015
I find that many readers, including R.K. Narayan’s fans, are not aware of his autobiography. This review is an attempt to make them aware of its existence.
To me, RKN is unique. He is one of the very few truly Indian writers of repute. A common man from an average family who wasn’t foreign educated. A man who lived in India, wrote in India, and wrote about India. That makes him more Indian than the likes of Jumpa Lahri, Salman Rushdie and VS Naipaul.
Unlike some writers of Indian origin who live overseas and look down their noses on their motherland, RKN’s writing passes no judgement on this strange, complex, lovable country. His stories are perceptions (often melancholic) of very ordinary men and women who live, toil, serve and die in India.
Now coming to the book, I found it fascinating. I bought the Kindle version as it was significantly cheaper than the physical one, and because I could obtain it instantly (the local book shops did not carry this book).
The numerous tales from a bygone era in Mysore and Madras stirred something in me; something that took me to another place, another world and held me enthralled. Perhaps, it was because they reminded me of stories I had heard in my childhood from my grandfather and uncles. Perhaps they were so deeply Indian that I could relate to them more than anything I have read recently.
The other fascinating aspect was an honest insight into a celebrated writer’s mind and outlook. His struggles in making two ends meet, in getting published, and the conflicts of living up to his father’s expectations were engrossing. His views on literature, fiction and writing were things I could relate to.
I think I loved the book because I am a fan of RKN’s writing. I am not sure if the people who don’t care for it would like it so much. Therefore, this evaluation, made unashamedly, is entirely subjective.
If you are a RKN fan and haven’t read this book, you must do so. If you are not, don’t go only by my review. I can offer no assurances to readers who are unfamiliar with or don’t like RKN’s writing.
To me, RKN is unique. He is one of the very few truly Indian writers of repute. A common man from an average family who wasn’t foreign educated. A man who lived in India, wrote in India, and wrote about India. That makes him more Indian than the likes of Jumpa Lahri, Salman Rushdie and VS Naipaul.
Unlike some writers of Indian origin who live overseas and look down their noses on their motherland, RKN’s writing passes no judgement on this strange, complex, lovable country. His stories are perceptions (often melancholic) of very ordinary men and women who live, toil, serve and die in India.
Now coming to the book, I found it fascinating. I bought the Kindle version as it was significantly cheaper than the physical one, and because I could obtain it instantly (the local book shops did not carry this book).
The numerous tales from a bygone era in Mysore and Madras stirred something in me; something that took me to another place, another world and held me enthralled. Perhaps, it was because they reminded me of stories I had heard in my childhood from my grandfather and uncles. Perhaps they were so deeply Indian that I could relate to them more than anything I have read recently.
The other fascinating aspect was an honest insight into a celebrated writer’s mind and outlook. His struggles in making two ends meet, in getting published, and the conflicts of living up to his father’s expectations were engrossing. His views on literature, fiction and writing were things I could relate to.
I think I loved the book because I am a fan of RKN’s writing. I am not sure if the people who don’t care for it would like it so much. Therefore, this evaluation, made unashamedly, is entirely subjective.
If you are a RKN fan and haven’t read this book, you must do so. If you are not, don’t go only by my review. I can offer no assurances to readers who are unfamiliar with or don’t like RKN’s writing.
October 4, 2011
RK Narayan is a story teller. Throw in the intelligent sarcasm and you have got the best Indian writer ever! This auto-biography is so fictional. Probably because we have read these stories in his other books. No wonder they say that his books are semi auto-biographical. I always find the childhood part more enticing than any other parts. His auto-biography was a journey into his life albiet in a few words. The reader goes thru the ups and downs in his life and totally falls for him. I would never, even in my wildest dreams, picture him to be a "struggling writer" but he was. What a charming writer!
September 25, 2020
Good one. Loved Narayana wry humour. Loved R K Lakshmans illustrations.
March 8, 2023
As a reader, we have been amazed by the literary gems of the genius R. K. Narayan which was further accentuated by the televised versions of the same. Our view of the author is formed mainly through his characters and the persona in the general public medium. However, rarely does one get to truly understand the raw human that the author is. Beyond the usual trials and tribulations of a budding author, the vagaries of life & his personal experiences in handling the same reveals the true person behind the name.
Starting off with the formative years in Madras, the book traverses his life through multiple journeys to Channapatna, Mysore, Bangalore, Hassan etc. The experiences and events described in the childhood years is bound to draw a smile on everyone’s face, for we too would have our own share of such experiences. Growing up to be a spirited, independent individual, the transformation from an uninterested student to an opinionated individual is quite subtle, yet telling.
The experiences with his father is also quite revealing in terms of the realities of life. The author has not made any attempts to hide the common vices of youth and is quite unabashed about describing his youthful escapades. The struggle to publish “Swami and Friends� is real, depressing & highly demotivating for mere mortals. Fate interrupts with interesting encounters which have a huge impact over life. R. K. Narayan’s literary life was also beneficiary of one such incident.
Perhaps, the most impactful section of the book is related to the incidents leading to and after his wife’s death. The psychic experiences does give a chill, but the proofs are irrefutable. From the construction of home to the marriage of his daughter to the author’s journey to US, the book paces through nicely. The events leading upto the production of Guide and subsequent engagements to market the movie is quite interesting, specially the mention of a historical figure from 1947. Towards the end of the book, specially after the death of his wife, there is a deep philosophical, spiritual, contemplative mood in some, if not all, interactions with the wide world. Perhaps, it was a life changing event to the author.
The book is rich with illustrations from the author’s prodigal brother, R. K. Laxman. The genius of the maestro is widely known the whole world. While each one of the illustrations is a masterpiece in its own right, one particular portrait stands out. There is one portrait of RKN’s daughter Hema dated 1945 which has a different feel to it. Whether it’s the detailing or perhaps a snapshot of an emotional instant, this picture is both charming, yet poignant. I felt that the relationship between brothers could have been explored further, but since this is a memoir, I guess the level of details is apt.
In short, Life is the best teacher and one can derive many a lesson from the experiences of the wise and old. I would highly recommend this book in every collection for its simple language, yet profound experiences of genius writer.
Starting off with the formative years in Madras, the book traverses his life through multiple journeys to Channapatna, Mysore, Bangalore, Hassan etc. The experiences and events described in the childhood years is bound to draw a smile on everyone’s face, for we too would have our own share of such experiences. Growing up to be a spirited, independent individual, the transformation from an uninterested student to an opinionated individual is quite subtle, yet telling.
The experiences with his father is also quite revealing in terms of the realities of life. The author has not made any attempts to hide the common vices of youth and is quite unabashed about describing his youthful escapades. The struggle to publish “Swami and Friends� is real, depressing & highly demotivating for mere mortals. Fate interrupts with interesting encounters which have a huge impact over life. R. K. Narayan’s literary life was also beneficiary of one such incident.
Perhaps, the most impactful section of the book is related to the incidents leading to and after his wife’s death. The psychic experiences does give a chill, but the proofs are irrefutable. From the construction of home to the marriage of his daughter to the author’s journey to US, the book paces through nicely. The events leading upto the production of Guide and subsequent engagements to market the movie is quite interesting, specially the mention of a historical figure from 1947. Towards the end of the book, specially after the death of his wife, there is a deep philosophical, spiritual, contemplative mood in some, if not all, interactions with the wide world. Perhaps, it was a life changing event to the author.
The book is rich with illustrations from the author’s prodigal brother, R. K. Laxman. The genius of the maestro is widely known the whole world. While each one of the illustrations is a masterpiece in its own right, one particular portrait stands out. There is one portrait of RKN’s daughter Hema dated 1945 which has a different feel to it. Whether it’s the detailing or perhaps a snapshot of an emotional instant, this picture is both charming, yet poignant. I felt that the relationship between brothers could have been explored further, but since this is a memoir, I guess the level of details is apt.
In short, Life is the best teacher and one can derive many a lesson from the experiences of the wise and old. I would highly recommend this book in every collection for its simple language, yet profound experiences of genius writer.
April 16, 2013
My Days is a book whose 17 chapters gave me ubiquitous amount of joy, pleasure and entertainment . This was the first autobiography that I read, and it was very lively. It revealed to me the beauty of enjoying life in whatever state it was just as the author, R K Narayan did. The arrangement of the chapters are in such a way that it gives every detail of the novelist's life with a refreshing and poetic touch in it.
I liked the the first few chapters really very much which conveyed the joy of being a child in an adorable fashion. With his monkey and peacock company young Narayan enjoyed the Madras sun showing off its enormous power in the form of unbearable heat in the compound of his strict and modern thinking grandma's house. After a few leisure years of pondering here and there Narayan gets admitted to a school on his way to which he keeps admiring the cityscape of the modern city of Madras and gets lost into his own world.
He then goes and lives with his parents and siblings in Mysore with the pleasant hilly climate giving in way to a new life. Here Narayan blooms into a teenager hating formal studies as well as exams and craving to read various writings of Dickens, Marie Corellei, Tolstoy, Thomas Hardy and many others. With lots of efforts he somehow manages to get the degree of B.A. giving it a second try.
Then comes in the urge to write. He starts with short stories and sends them to London for publication in English magazines and Gazettes. He has many obstacles in his path which includes finding publishers. Then comes Graham Greene to his rescue who vanishes Narayan's problem helping him start his career.
Read the book yourself. The autobiography is ornated with cartoons made by RK Laxman which will please and delighten your heart and bring in a chuckle or a broad smile across your lips.There are also many rare photographs of Narayan in this book.
Do read for your development in a wonderful and descriptive style of writing and for an amazing experience too.
I liked the the first few chapters really very much which conveyed the joy of being a child in an adorable fashion. With his monkey and peacock company young Narayan enjoyed the Madras sun showing off its enormous power in the form of unbearable heat in the compound of his strict and modern thinking grandma's house. After a few leisure years of pondering here and there Narayan gets admitted to a school on his way to which he keeps admiring the cityscape of the modern city of Madras and gets lost into his own world.
He then goes and lives with his parents and siblings in Mysore with the pleasant hilly climate giving in way to a new life. Here Narayan blooms into a teenager hating formal studies as well as exams and craving to read various writings of Dickens, Marie Corellei, Tolstoy, Thomas Hardy and many others. With lots of efforts he somehow manages to get the degree of B.A. giving it a second try.
Then comes in the urge to write. He starts with short stories and sends them to London for publication in English magazines and Gazettes. He has many obstacles in his path which includes finding publishers. Then comes Graham Greene to his rescue who vanishes Narayan's problem helping him start his career.
Read the book yourself. The autobiography is ornated with cartoons made by RK Laxman which will please and delighten your heart and bring in a chuckle or a broad smile across your lips.There are also many rare photographs of Narayan in this book.
Do read for your development in a wonderful and descriptive style of writing and for an amazing experience too.
November 24, 2016
I enjoyed this episodic memoir very much. Narayan suffers no illusions about himself or his past, but tells it like it may have been with a dry wit. Born with the century, Narayan's story goes from a time when cars were infrequent and airplanes unknown in his India, to nearly the present day. His first memories as a small child are of necessity scrappy, and he saw no need to weave them into a cohesive narration--using, say, Partition as a unifying thread. In fact, Partition and the upheavals surrounding India's independence don't even get a mention. Ghandi is only mentioned in passing, as a sort of fashion don't. Perhaps this is because Narayan is interested in telling his own story, as he himself sees it, not the story of his nation. His membership in the Brahmin caste (if that's the right term) is revealed only obliquely, if you knew nothing of him before picking up this book, as I did not.
The book was engaging up to his wife's death, after which he lost me a bit when he plunged into adventures in "automatic writing", telepathy or not, and thought transference--freely admitting that it may all have been suggestion, after all. At that point, the narrative began to wander and meander even more than usual, but perhaps that is consonant with his own character as he presents himself: a chronically underemployed, rather shiftless but likeable man who just sort of fell into writing.
Thanks to my GR friend Ashok for bringing this author to my notice. Lovely reading for a heatwave.
The book was engaging up to his wife's death, after which he lost me a bit when he plunged into adventures in "automatic writing", telepathy or not, and thought transference--freely admitting that it may all have been suggestion, after all. At that point, the narrative began to wander and meander even more than usual, but perhaps that is consonant with his own character as he presents himself: a chronically underemployed, rather shiftless but likeable man who just sort of fell into writing.
Thanks to my GR friend Ashok for bringing this author to my notice. Lovely reading for a heatwave.
October 8, 2013
R.K. Narayan has been one of my favourite authors ever since I read at the age of 10. So, coming across his untiringly funny memoir at the library was a pleasant surprise.
Needless to say, I enjoyed the book throughly. His observations of people, right from his childhood itself are piercingly accurate. His command over English is wonderful, and I feel that a lot of our contemporary Indian authors can learn a lot from him. He never preaches his ideologies, he just gives vent to his views in a free flow, without condemning anybody. The book is a delight for all his fans, and Indians longing to have an insight into a simpler way of life alike. His opinion on our education system was commendable, and it's sad that things haven't changed almost 80 years on.
I feel that everyone should be encouraged to read Narayan, for he is an author whose words can never lose their radiance with time.
Needless to say, I enjoyed the book throughly. His observations of people, right from his childhood itself are piercingly accurate. His command over English is wonderful, and I feel that a lot of our contemporary Indian authors can learn a lot from him. He never preaches his ideologies, he just gives vent to his views in a free flow, without condemning anybody. The book is a delight for all his fans, and Indians longing to have an insight into a simpler way of life alike. His opinion on our education system was commendable, and it's sad that things haven't changed almost 80 years on.
I feel that everyone should be encouraged to read Narayan, for he is an author whose words can never lose their radiance with time.
December 10, 2016
A book after a looong dry spell.... R.K. Narayan's auto biography with R.K. Laxman's cozy illustrations....
Wish R.K. Narayan had delved deeper into his thought processes & story telling methods. But he breezes through his life like the rest of his books, without delving too much into any of it. A nice, breezy read that feels like listening to your uncle or granddad recount their lives....
Wish R.K. Narayan had delved deeper into his thought processes & story telling methods. But he breezes through his life like the rest of his books, without delving too much into any of it. A nice, breezy read that feels like listening to your uncle or granddad recount their lives....
August 20, 2008
Invokes pleasance and inspiration.
A beautiful story, a beautiful man.
A beautiful story, a beautiful man.
March 31, 2024
One of his finest achivements.
August 2, 2020
I’ve always adored RK Narayan’s writings. I’ve read 2 books by him and got this book knowing I’ll love it. Not disappointed. I love this book. He’s a natural writer. His storytelling is just what I love the most. If you love writing, I’d recommended this book to read. A writer on writing.
May 15, 2022
RK Narayan gives a reluctant account of his days growing up and the times during which he eventually came to have some of his work published. There is not a lot of detail about any of his work except maybe 'The English Teacher', which he says is a little more non-fiction than the other titles. This work also gives a glimpse of Madras, with its old screeching trams and the days of streets lit with oil-lamps. His account of Rajam, his wife, is probably the most intense and moving in an otherwise uneventful recollection of his days. The book's closing chapter is a better summary of the entire piece - a reluctant memoir.
January 18, 2023
It is a re-read. R K Narayan is my favourite author, and reading him makes me feel good about life every time.
It was published in 1974, so it might feel incomplete because he lived till 2001. But nevertheless, this is written in his unique style of making mundane things in life come alive.
It was published in 1974, so it might feel incomplete because he lived till 2001. But nevertheless, this is written in his unique style of making mundane things in life come alive.
November 3, 2017
Master storyteller writes about his life from his childhood. I felt as if I am reading a story than life story of author.
July 8, 2020
One of my favorite authours memoir
January 31, 2023
MY DAYS-R K NARAYAN-AUTOBIOGRAPHY-BIRTH CENTENARY- 2006 (Paperback) by R.K. Narayan- autobiography- (1906-2001) R. K. Narayan was born in 1906 in Madras now Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was one of eight children: six sons and two daughters. Narayan was second among the sons; his younger brother Ramachandran later became an editor at Gemini Studios, and the youngest brother Laxman became a cartoonist. His father was a school headmaster, and Narayan did some of his studies at his father's school. As his father's job entailed frequent transfers, Narayan spent a part of his childhood under the care of his maternal grandmother. She taught him arithmetic, mythology, classical Indian music and Sanskrit. While living with his grandmother, Narayan studied at a succession of schools in Madras, including the Lutheran Mission School in Purasawalkam, C.R.C. High School, and the Christian College High School. Narayan was an avid reader, and his early literary diet included Dickens, Wodehouse, Arthur Conan Doyle and Thomas Hardy. When he was twelve years old, Narayan participated in a pro-independence march, for which he was reprimanded by his uncle; the family was apolitical and considered all governments wicked. At Maharajah's College High School, the well-stocked library he started writing as well. After completing high school, Narayan failed the university entrance examination and spent a year at home reading and writing; he subsequently passed the examination in 1926 and joined Maharaja College of Mysore. It took Narayan four years to obtain his bachelor's degree, a year longer than usual. After being persuaded by a friend that taking a master's degree (M.A.) would kill his interest in literature, he briefly held a job as a school teacher; however, he quit in protest when the headmaster of the school asked him to substitute for the physical training master. The experience made Narayan realise that the only career for him was in writing, and he decided to stay at home and write novels. His first published work was a book review of Development of Maritime Laws of 17th-Century England. Subsequently, he started writing the occasional local interest story for English newspapers and magazines. Although the writing did not pay much (his income for the first year was nine rupees and twelve annas), he had a regular life and few needs, and his family and friends respected and supported his unorthodox choice of career. In 1930, Narayan wrote his first novel, Swami and Friends, an effort ridiculed by his uncle and rejected by a string of publishers. With this book, Narayan created Malgudi, a town that creatively reproduced the social sphere of the country; while it ignored the limits imposed by colonial rule, it also grew with the various socio-political changes of British and post-independence India. The book, 'My Days' depicts all the happenings of author R. K. Narayan's life as well his ups and downs in his career. The name of the book My Days, truly draws the meaning as in this book Narayan's own life story is written in a lucid manner which is enjoyable by all. Author writes My Days, which is actually an autobiography of the author. A memoir, "My Days is a beautifully compiled book that would otherwise seem like any other of Narayan's novels, until one realizes that it's an actual narration of his life and his childhood. R. K. Narayan's autobiography or memoir gives us a glimpse into the uncomplicated life of a simple man. Who subsequently became one of the 20th century's literary giants. Narayan shared in his literature the world or Malgudi, a busy place peopled with hilarious characters and a clear reflection of the politics of a small Indian City Narayan's India is real. In Malgudi everyone knows each other where everyone is helpful and very friendly. And the circle of life revolves around a little village where everyone is helpful and very friendly. My Days is a fascinating look into Narayan's consciousness, though it does drag at times. Narayan clearly writes better make-believe than real life, but this book is still a treat. In this book his language is very lucid and transparent. It is sometimes funny also. There is a part written on his zoo that contains monkey, peacock, parrot, cat, puppy, etc. This part is very hilarious while events from his personal life are extremely touching. He was able to create the mixed feelings of happiness and sorrow at the same time among the readers. He wrote every aspects of his life at that book including his grandma bringing him up in madras his getting acquainted with his parents his falling in love and pursuing his love their daughter's birth, and then death parting him from his beloved wife and he losing all interest in life Narayan reviving himself from the trauma and getting back to his professional life rejections from publishers a new publisher for each novel writing for living magazines and newspapers, so and so forth. This is a great autobiography to read for all book lovers.
February 7, 2025
It is often said that failure is a stepping stone for success. One such failure happened to RKN when he failed the University entrance examination after high school and that too in English. The reason he mentions for that failure is so relatable to my life as well and it was Mathematics in my case. So he had one year time before the next year admission and that is when he started writing. It started with a story called FRIENDSHIP followed by THE DIVINE MUSIC which got rejected though. Then it was BA at Maharaja college Mysore. It was when he was trying for a Job in Bangalore, Swamy and his friends happened and one can see it is all coming from real life childhood to teenage experiences from his days at Chennai(Purasawalkam), Chennapatna, Haasan, Mysore & Bangalore.
One can relate to the characters in Malgudi Days to his real life characters, for example - Kailas in 'Bachelor of Arts' and Suseela and her child from the 'English Teacher'. The telepathy episode in English teacher was actually a true incident that happened in his life after his wife Rajam died. The midnight tap on his window one particular night sent shivers down my spine.
Its like an open book and he shares all his experiences in this memoir, a must read by everyone who is a fan of Malgudi Days.
One can relate to the characters in Malgudi Days to his real life characters, for example - Kailas in 'Bachelor of Arts' and Suseela and her child from the 'English Teacher'. The telepathy episode in English teacher was actually a true incident that happened in his life after his wife Rajam died. The midnight tap on his window one particular night sent shivers down my spine.
Its like an open book and he shares all his experiences in this memoir, a must read by everyone who is a fan of Malgudi Days.
June 9, 2020
Narayan is the Man from Malgudi, the fictitious Indian town that all his characters inhabit. His novels capture the spirit of India perhaps better than any other. In the world of Malgudi, things happen � good, bad and horrible � but life goes on without much fuss. There’s an equanimity in how people face life. Sometimes they are miserable and sometimes they are happy but, as in Kipling’s poem, misery and happiness are equal impostors. There is a similar feeling of equanimity in Narayan’s life story. He works hard at his writing, but many things happen serendipitously. He gets virtually no encouragement at home or abroad but lucks out because Graham Greene likes his work. He becomes moderately successful and adores his wife but she dies young. He achieves popularity with “The Guide� but receives no compensation when it’s made into a film but the screenwriter gets $25K. But, Naryan is serene throughout. In the last chapter, a friend visits him who is successful but has no peace of mind. Narayan reflects that he only frets about things that have nothing to do with his personal life. Wherever he lives, Narayan is always in Malgudi.
February 5, 2024
MY DAYS
BY- R K NARAYAN
Readers of R K NARAYAN'S Malgudi books have come to know and love that city's special charm and heartbreak. In this entrancing memoir, Mr Narayan tells the story of his own life in Mysore, the city where he has lived for most of his life whose beauties form the backdrop for his personal drama.
In Mr. Narayan story world there are not only family and cohorts but bubbling british diplomats, curious movies moguls, evasive Indian officials, eccentric journalists.Yet from the beginning it has always been the world of a writer whose perception of the human comedy is at once acute and forgiving, larger than the life and always true to it.
It is no surprise at all that R K Narayan is known as India's greatest writer, in the extraordinary essay into autobiography, he establishes once again his special hold on the imagination of our time.
Must read for all enthusiasts of R K Narayan's writing
BY- R K NARAYAN
Readers of R K NARAYAN'S Malgudi books have come to know and love that city's special charm and heartbreak. In this entrancing memoir, Mr Narayan tells the story of his own life in Mysore, the city where he has lived for most of his life whose beauties form the backdrop for his personal drama.
In Mr. Narayan story world there are not only family and cohorts but bubbling british diplomats, curious movies moguls, evasive Indian officials, eccentric journalists.Yet from the beginning it has always been the world of a writer whose perception of the human comedy is at once acute and forgiving, larger than the life and always true to it.
It is no surprise at all that R K Narayan is known as India's greatest writer, in the extraordinary essay into autobiography, he establishes once again his special hold on the imagination of our time.
Must read for all enthusiasts of R K Narayan's writing
September 22, 2021
A heart-warming Autobiography in which the great writer RK Narayan holds our hand and lets us walk with him in the period of early 1900s, from his boyhood days to later years of life. He shows us the events that led to the inception of his writing career. It made me think of the possibilities that existed only if we took our minds off the urban commotion and digital life. Reading numerous books of various genres , love for Nature, inspiration by observation of daily life , led Sir to develop an ardent love for writing. Malgudi days is inspired by his own days. A very admirable and gripping writing style with touches of sarcasm , humour and emotion. Hardwork, tragedies, failures , successes, happiness and love filled his days just like yours and mine.
December 29, 2019
I have always been a huge fan of his novels. This book took me closer to the writer and his inspiration behind the great novels that he wrote. I was thrilled to know the basis and people on which his characters and places were built - for example, Mr. Sampath the printer of Malgudi is actually built on a real character Sampath in Narayans life. There are also details into his personal life and how he overcame grief caused by his wife's death over a period of time. Overall, an extremely worthy read for a R K Narayan fan.
August 28, 2021
It's been years since I watched Malgudi days and read Swamy and Friends. Reading this autobiography made me want to read it again.
Enjoyed reading about life in pre independence India, the idyllic setting of Mysore and Madras, and the struggles of a writer.
Enjoyed reading about life in pre independence India, the idyllic setting of Mysore and Madras, and the struggles of a writer.
October 27, 2023
It was inspirational to re-read and re-acquaint myself with the life of my favourite author's journey when he was an aspiring writer.
As an aspiring writer myself, this book gave me new energy and enriched my soul.
As an aspiring writer myself, this book gave me new energy and enriched my soul.
April 22, 2025
Completely relatable . Good literature , interesting story and writingI mean, yeah, this is an autobiography, so we cannot expect anything very heavy . I gave it 4 stars because there was not such thing that can inspire me in my life in this biography.But I enjoyed it while reading.Not a boring book , but not something very special I made quite relatable at his childhood point of view like how he related the teachers'.And everything but after the death of his wife, it moved towords different angle.Just that's the point , so yeah , it deserves 4 stars and it got it from me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
An engaging read. Will surely read more of his works.
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