Swami and Friends

This is Narayan's first book, and therefore the first of his famous Malgudi books.

It is a clever book, in its own way - mainly because it gets into the head of a ten year-old boy, living in a small Indian village. Narayan has really nailed this - the things that are important to a ten year-old, the confusion of a ten year-old, the innocent, lack of understanding that a ten year-old has in the ways of the adult world. It also picks up on the simplicity of relationships - the transition of childhood friendships, the relationship with a father - who is a complex mixture of unfair disciplinarian and hero, the relationship with a doting, but confused grandmother, the relationship with other adults - teachers, headmasters, doctors. In summary, the issues that ten year-olds are troubled with.

It is a short book, it is easy to read, and it is compelling reading - hard to put down.
Each chapter brings a new dynamic or a new situation to be navigated - a new boy at school, a surprise baby brother!, school exams, school holidays, a political protest and a riot, changing schools, the cricket club and a big game.

4 stars.