Probably the greatest known literary work of R.K. Narayan, The Guide shines light upon all the failed conquests of a tourist guide throughout his life, and later finding solace in becoming a ray of hope for the people of a fictional village in India.
The book starts with a tone of blame and contempt. Raju doesn't find his companion Velan interesting; neither can he stand thinking about his life in retrospect. So in his dilemma he mingles both: he recounts the scandalous story of his life to the innocent villager on the banks of the river.
If you have seen the whole of the 1965 cinematic masterpiece, or even snippets of it, you must know that there is a woman involved. He was a fluent speaking tourist guide when he came across Rosie, a beautiful dancer, his client Marco's wife. The reason for the adultery that ensued between Rosie and Raju is the unhappy marriage. Though adultery is a strong word. From Rosie's perspective, her freedom equalled finding back her passion and talent for dancing. For Raju, it meant being in close proximity to his love in lieu of promise of assisting her to attain her dream.
The tone of the story is quite light. Raju sees everything from a dreamlike perspective and comes clear regarding his feelings and emotions. Nothing is as spontaneous and ever-flowing as his narrative. The start of their journey as a timid couple, the first break in both their careers, their exponential rise to stardom and power.....everything holds its own pace and character. Then comes the resounding crash: the tumult of life when it is most unfair to everyone. Raju's whole identity passes through a series of ups and downs, till he is driven to prison for his wrongful indulgence in a petty crime sparked by jealousy. That jealousy is not surprising, considering what increasing greed does to people.
It is a pity that Raju does not hold himself responsible for the grief he had to face. Then again, he like many other impending corrupt people, has suppressed his conscience to attain the greatest level, and does not hesitate to remove the unnecessary from the equation. A good many example can be found these days too.
However, redemption occurs in strange ways. Somehow through the unshakeable faith of the villagers he transforms into a sage, at first in appearance and then in spirit. He tries to change his course for the first time by doing something for the mass and not for personal gain. But at times, it is too late to turn back.
Unlike so many other books, it doesn't deliver a moral message. It is not supposed to. Sometimes, a book does not need to teach us anything, but only delivers a beautiful evergreen story. Albeit in a nonchalant manner, The Guide brings out the best of the devil that resides in an individual. The endings are different in the book and the film, but the beauty and essence of the small town guide remains the same and eternal.
I give the book 4.8/5 stars for sheer storytelling and compelling narrative.
First Edition published in 1958.
Centenary special of R.K. Narayan.
The poster of the epic film released overseas
The book starts with a tone of blame and contempt. Raju doesn't find his companion Velan interesting; neither can he stand thinking about his life in retrospect. So in his dilemma he mingles both: he recounts the scandalous story of his life to the innocent villager on the banks of the river.
If you have seen the whole of the 1965 cinematic masterpiece, or even snippets of it, you must know that there is a woman involved. He was a fluent speaking tourist guide when he came across Rosie, a beautiful dancer, his client Marco's wife. The reason for the adultery that ensued between Rosie and Raju is the unhappy marriage. Though adultery is a strong word. From Rosie's perspective, her freedom equalled finding back her passion and talent for dancing. For Raju, it meant being in close proximity to his love in lieu of promise of assisting her to attain her dream.
The tone of the story is quite light. Raju sees everything from a dreamlike perspective and comes clear regarding his feelings and emotions. Nothing is as spontaneous and ever-flowing as his narrative. The start of their journey as a timid couple, the first break in both their careers, their exponential rise to stardom and power.....everything holds its own pace and character. Then comes the resounding crash: the tumult of life when it is most unfair to everyone. Raju's whole identity passes through a series of ups and downs, till he is driven to prison for his wrongful indulgence in a petty crime sparked by jealousy. That jealousy is not surprising, considering what increasing greed does to people.
It is a pity that Raju does not hold himself responsible for the grief he had to face. Then again, he like many other impending corrupt people, has suppressed his conscience to attain the greatest level, and does not hesitate to remove the unnecessary from the equation. A good many example can be found these days too.
However, redemption occurs in strange ways. Somehow through the unshakeable faith of the villagers he transforms into a sage, at first in appearance and then in spirit. He tries to change his course for the first time by doing something for the mass and not for personal gain. But at times, it is too late to turn back.
Unlike so many other books, it doesn't deliver a moral message. It is not supposed to. Sometimes, a book does not need to teach us anything, but only delivers a beautiful evergreen story. Albeit in a nonchalant manner, The Guide brings out the best of the devil that resides in an individual. The endings are different in the book and the film, but the beauty and essence of the small town guide remains the same and eternal.
I give the book 4.8/5 stars for sheer storytelling and compelling narrative.
First Edition published in 1958.
Centenary special of R.K. Narayan.
The poster of the epic film released overseas
