Malgudi Days

A great little book to take along anywhere. A compilation of fascinating, short stories that are sure to leave one thinking and pondering much longer on each story. Wonderfully written with minimum emotional words, sharp descriptions. A benign observer's view of ordinary lives narrated without judgement. Highly recommended reading.

Most enjoyable and thought provoking set of stories.

Absorbing short stories from fictional village in India.

I run a reading group for The Reader Organisation and these stories are so suitable for a range of people - gentle, warming, heartfelt, and yet addressing many issues which affect us in our daily lives.

Very happy with purchase and condition.

loved the connection to mysore

Magical collection of short stories evoking everyday life in a small Indian town, gently examining the impact of change and perception on a range of fascinating characters

Came Damaged, + paper quality was poor. Will be returning.

この本(1982年刊)の前書きでナラヤンは「小説を書き終えるとき、もう二度と小説を書くまい、と心に誓う」のだと書いている。そして小説とは違い「短編小説を書くことは作家にとって楽しみな気晴らしである」と。僕には少々意外な感じもしたけれども、それではナラヤンの短編小説が、軽く読み飛ばせる軽い書き物かというと必ずしもそうではなく、小説よりも神経を集中して読む必要があった。 この『マルグディの日々』に収められた短編は、ぼくにどこかディッケンズの小説にあるリアリズムとヒューマニティを連想させた。それをインド味にしたてているのだけれども、僕がナラヤンに惹かれるところは、そのような世知辛い世の中と心温まる人情というよりも、人間の不条理にたいするヒンデゥ的寛容さのなだと最近思い始めていて、残念ながらそういうものにこの本ではあまりおめにかかれない(しかし、日本人にとってかなり分かりにくいカーストについて非常に納得のいく短編がある)。 ところで僕の買ったペンギン文庫版には今や人気作家であるジュンパ・ラヒリの緒言が添えられている。ジュンパ・ラヒリがナラヤンについてどういう感じをもっているのか、はなはだ興味のあるところだ。ジュンパ・ラヒリの文章は、ナラヤンの小説世界への温かくこころのこもった誘惑であるのだけれども(どんな忙しい人でも一日に十数分をさくことで、ここに収められた短編小説を一ヶ月で読め、ナラヤンの素晴らしい小説に出会えるという)、故郷を喪失し漂流する人間のより所として愛を描くジュンパ・ラヒリは、ナラヤンが実に丹念にマルグディという空想の街・故郷を描きこんでゆくことへの驚きを述べているのが何ともジュンパ・ラヒリらしく印象深い。そして、ここはもう一度丁寧に読み返したいと思っているが、なぜナラヤンはタミル語ではなく、英語で小説書いているのかについて考察を進めている。外国語である英語で小説を書き続けるナラヤン、故郷の言葉を失って英語作家として成功しているジュンパ・ラヒリ。僕は、ふと村上春樹だって英語で小説を書けばもっと面白いのにと思った。

I had the good fortune to read Malgudi Days a few weeks ago while traveling in India for the first time ... I certainly cannot claim to be an expert on India, but I felt like Malgudi Days captured the spirit of India in a few short pages at a time better than thousand page tomes or hours-long miniseries ever possibly could. The hope and heartbreak of the common man and woman (although, unfortunately, the woman's perspective usually takes the back seat), the constant teetering on the knife's edge between riches and ruin, the cruel twists of fate ... although there is something concise and light about Narayan's writing style, many if not most of the stories have a rather dark side to them. In spite of this, the stories are compelling page-turners, as the reader immerses him- or herself into the charismatic town of Malgudi, which itself is arguably the main protagonist of this work. Despite the short length of the stories, taken as a whole there is a kind of haunting beauty--despite the grit and calamity--that sticks with the reader long after they finish this work. Compelling, unforgettable, vibrant and yet tinged by a hint of sadness ... a bit like India itself, dare I say?

Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan is a beautifully crafted collection of short stories that introduces readers to the charming and vibrant town of Malgudi. Through its pages, Narayan takes us on a journey into the lives of ordinary people, each with their own unique tales of joy, sorrow, humor, and wisdom.With its warm simplicity and sharp insight into human relationships and societal norms, Malgudi Days is a book that resonates long after you’ve finished reading. It’s a perfect introduction to R.K. Narayan's writing and an essential read for anyone who appreciates storytelling at its finest. Highly recommended!

Bought this as a present to my Indian colleague and she’s very excited to read it!

Great book