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Book Review- Swami and Friends by RK Narayan

Book: Swami and Friends Author: RK Narayan      Swami and Friends is the story of the tumultuous friendship of Swaminathan, his four childhood friends, and a new boy named Rajam. It takes place in British-colonial India in the year 1930. The story begins by introducing Swaminathan and his friends Somu, Sankar, Mani, and Pea. Swami talks about how different all of his friends are from one another and how their differences actually make their friendships stronger. Soon, however, a new boy arrives, named Rajam who Swami and Mani absolutely hate. It isn’t until the three boys confront each other that they realize they have a lot in common, and become fast friends. After a lot of convincing, the other three boys accept Rajam too and the six boys are temporarily at peace.      Later, a prominent Indian politician is arrested and Swami joins a mob of protesters. He gets swept up in the fervor of the crowd and uses a rock to destroy school property. When the crowd is broken apart, Swami is left to face the consequences of his actions. Not only is Swami forced to switch to a more strict and rigorous school, but Rajam is hurt by the actions of his friend, making their friendship unstable.      In order to fix his friendship with Rajam, Swami must atone for his actions; he decides to partner with Rajam to create their very own cricket team called the M.C.C. The two boys are intensely passionate about the team, but tensions rise as Swami’s strict school and intense workload get in the way of his commitment. Rajam threatens to never speak to Swami again if he misses the match of the year.      Despite his best efforts, Swami is forbidden by his strict headmaster from leaving early to go to his daily practices. In a rage, Swami throws his headmaster’s cane out of the window. Then, terrified of the repercussions, Swami decides to run away from Malgudi for good and never return. While fleeing, he becomes lost and wanders aimlessly until he is rescued. He has missed the M.C.C. match he swore to go to. Already knowing his best friend may never speak to him again, Swami finds out from his friend Mani that Rajam is leaving the next morning to move to a new city with his family.      In a desperate attempt to make amends, Swami rushes to the train station the next morning with a book he intends to give to Rajam as a way to make peace. He nearly misses the train’s departure and looks at his best friend through the window, who still refuses to speak to him. Mani must hand him the book, as he would not take it from Swami. The story ends as the train pulls away and Swami is left wondering if his friend will write and if he is forgiven.      This book is a thought-provoking read, perfect for a child between the ages of 7 and 12. The conflict that arises throughout the book between Swaminathan and his friends are problems that many children face today. For example, towards the beginning of the book, Swami and his four original friends do a great job of seeing the positives of their differences, but struggle to see the good in Rajam. It is important to show young readers the importance of making new friends and adjusting to changes that may occur among the friends you already have. Another lesson that is present in the book is the importance of using your words to express how you feel, rather than your actions. When Swami is upset about the politician who was arrested, he chooses to go out and join a mob rather than talk to his parents or a teacher to express his feelings. Even if he didn’t start with the intention to damage school property, the power of the mob mentality and peer pressure are evident in Swami’s actions and he is adequately punished for what he chose to do. Similarly, at Swami’s new school, he gets very angry at his headmaster and expresses this by throwing his cane out the window instead of using his words to explain his frustration. The consequence of this was the guilty feeling he got from his actions that caused him to run away and miss the cricket game. In both cases, children can see that Swami could have avoided a lot of trouble if he had taken a deep breath and used his words to explain how he felt, instead of only using actions. Finally, the ending of this book is not what you would consider your classic happy ending. In fact, the reader is left wondering if Rajam ever forgave Swami for the way he treated him. While this ending may seem unsatisfying to some, I believe that is the point and that children who read this story will have a more accurate depiction of the world they live in after they read it. I think it is important to show them that not every story has a happy ending and this is one of those stories. Works Cited Narayan, RK. Swami and Friends. 1935 Hamilton

21 Responses

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Timeless Tale Set In British India: Reviewing R.K. Narayan’s ‘Swami And Friends’

‘Swami And Friends’ by R.K. Narayan is a 1935 novel set in British India. It is the first book in a series featuring the fictional town of Malgudi. The other two books in the trilogy are named ‘The Bachelor of Arts’ and ‘The English Teacher’.

‘Swami And Friends’ is considered a part of children’s literature due to its focus on the adventures and experiences of a young boy named Swaminathan (protagonist) and his friends. The novel’s themes, simple language, and engaging storytelling make it suitable for young readers, though it also appeals to adults for its nostalgic and vivid portrayal of childhood in pre-independence India.

It is worth noting that the tales of ‘ Malgudi Days ’ were adapted into a popular television serial, and the stories of Swaminathan and his friends have become iconic in Indian literature and media. These stories are widely recognized and cherished across generations in India.

Let us discuss why ‘Swami And Friends’ is just fit to be your next read…

Intrinsic Features Of ‘Swami And Friends’

The setting.

Malgudi, the quintessential small-town India of the early 20th century, serves as a microcosm of Indian society, with its dusty roads, bustling market, temples, schools, and residential neighborhoods. It is instrumental in leaving behind a legacy of classics written by R.K. Narayan. Located somewhere in the Indian state of Karnataka, Malgudi provides cohesive uniformity to the background of all his short stories and novels.

Malgudi is depicted with rich detail, capturing the day-to-day lives of its residents, their traditions, and the subtle influences of British colonial rule. The town’s layout and atmosphere provide a vivid backdrop for the adventures and misadventures of Swami and his friends. Through Narayan’s descriptions, readers can visualize the school where Swami studies, the Mission School playground where they play cricket, and the various landmarks that become central to their stories.

Malgudi comes alive as a character itself in R.K. Narayan’s stories, vividly portraying everyday life in a small Indian town during the British Raj. Through its depiction, readers experience the blend of traditional Indian values and the impact of colonial influences. Narayan’s portrayal of Malgudi reflects his ability to capture a specific time and place in Indian history, sparking nostalgic memories and prompting reflections on India’s colonial past. Malgudi, therefore, marks an intrinsic place in the literary landscape.

The Narrative

Narayan’s narrative style is often praised for its simplicity and clarity. Through his straightforward use of language, Narayan delves into profound themes and the deeper meanings of life, making his stories easily accessible and their themes readily understandable. His writing is rich with humor, irony, and subtle observations of human nature and society.

Narayan’s narratives often reflect the everyday lives of ordinary people, capturing the essence of Indian culture and traditions with authenticity. His characters are well-developed and relatable, often portrayed with a mix of flaws and virtues that make them realistic and endearing. For instance, Swami’s father is strict and demanding, yet he is also caring and concerned about his son’s future, reflecting the complexities of parental relationships and the balancing act between discipline and affection. Similarly, his friends are a diverse group, each with distinct personalities and quirks. Rajam is confident and assertive, often taking the lead in their adventures, while Mani is strong and loyal, providing a sense of stability and protection. These multifaceted portrayals make Swami’s friendships both believable and relatable.

One of the hallmarks of Narayan’s narrative style is his ability to blend the mundane with the profound. He weaves intricate tales from the seemingly trivial details of daily life, revealing deeper truths about human existence. This is evident in the simple adventures of Swami and his friends, such as playing cricket, dealing with school, and navigating friendships. These little experiences of Swami’s childhood portrayed in the novel illuminate larger themes of childhood innocence, the struggle for independence, and the clash between tradition and modernity.

Another major aspect of the narrative includes the way Narayan paints a rich tapestry of the socio-cultural landscape of the time. He captures the coexistence of traditional Indian customs with the influences of British colonial rule. The influence of Western ideals on the younger generation, contrasted with the older generation’s adherence to traditional values, provides a vivid picture of a society in transition.

This could be seen in the very first incident, where Swami is harshly treated by the scripture headmaster who belittles the Hindu religion while comparing it to Christian parables. In response, Swami’s father writes a letter to the principal, defending his son’s right to question and criticizing the headmaster’s strict behavior.

‘Swami And Friends’ deals with key themes like:

• Childhood and innocence- The novel captures innocence, curiosity, and imaginative escapades of Swaminathan and his friends. N. Ram critiques, ‘Narayan’s picture of the simple, everyday world of childhood is done with an eye for detail and a touch of humor that captures the essence of innocence’.
• Friendship- Friendship is central to the story as Swami navigates the complexities of relationships with his schoolmates, particularly with Rajam and Mani.
• Conflict of generations- Swami’s struggle with authority figures such as the headmaster and his father, portrays the generational conflict. The idea of both freedom and autonomy is viewed differently by both generations.
• Identity and cultural roots- Questions of identity and cultural heritage, particularly through Swami’s interactions with traditions, rituals, and societal expectations showcase the tension between embracing traditional values and navigating the influences of modernity and colonial education.
• Colonialism and national identity- Given the setting, the novel portrays the aspirations for independence and cultural autonomy, as well as the challenges faced by Indians in reconciling their own identity with colonial influences. According to critic Meenakshi Mukherjee , ‘Narayan’s narrative strategy is to portray his characters as being in a perpetual state of struggle against an alien culture’.
• Education and knowledge- ‘Swami And Friends’ critiques the rigid educational system under British rule while highlighting Swami’s quest for knowledge and understanding beyond formal schooling.
• Coming of age- The novel traces Swami’s growth, maturation, and self-discovery as he navigates the complexities of childhood, friendships, and societal expectations. It portrays the challenges and lessons learned on the journey to adulthood.

At length, ‘Swami and Friends’ is a quick read that transports you to 20th-century India, still under British colonial rule. The story beautifully captures the small, poignant moments and the uncertainties of growing up, resonating deeply with every reader. The narrative is strikingly realistic, leaving a lasting impact and fostering a strong connection to Indian history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of swami and friends.

The story of ‘Swami and Friends’ is centered around the 9-year-old protagonist, Swaminathan and his friends- Rajam, Mani, Somu, Shankar, and Matar. It is a coming of age novel that describes various experiences of Swami’s life that shape his mindset and personality, answering innumerable questions he gets to have as a child belonging to 20th century colonial India.

Who is Swami’s best friend?

Rajam, the son of a police superintendent, becomes one of Swami’s major interests early on in the story. Swami is eager to befriend Rajam, drawn to his charisma and leadership qualities. Despite also having a close friendship with Mani, Swami’s desire to be accepted by Rajam and his circle of friends is a significant part of the novel’s narrative.

What is the theme of Swami and Friends?

The themes of ‘Swami and Friends’ include childhood innocence, friendship, coming of age, generational conflicts, identity and cultural roots, and the clash between tradition and modernity in pre-independence India. The novel’s thematic richness is praised by many critics and it tends to mark its own place in the literary landscape.

Is Swami and Friends worth reading?

The novel ‘Swami and Friends’ resonates with people of all ages. As a part of children’s literature, it intrigues children into learning about the life and experiences of Swaminathan, the protagonist who is only 9 years of age. Adults find nostalgia and relatability in the stories of Swaminathan and in friends, set in pre-independence India.

Jennis Jacob, a passionate literary enthusiast in her 20s, is a writer and poet. With eight years of experience in literature, she is currently a master in English and finds inspiration in Womanist, American, and Indian Partition Literatures. Her works have appeared in anthologies such as ‘Carved Words Of Creative Minds’ and ‘100 Splendid Voices,’ and she is working on upcoming books. Through LitWithASip, she aims to ignite a love for literature and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.

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Thought Realms

Book Review - Swami and Friends by R. K. Narayan

Swami and Friends, the debut novel of R K Narayan is about a ten-year-old boy Swami, whose life mainly consists of having fun with his friends and tolerating the adults around him.

The novel is set in British India in a small town called Malgudi. Malgudi is a town by the river Sarayu -which glistens like a silver belt where Swami and his friends spend hours eating lime pickles while dangling their feet in the river.

Swaminathan's best friends were Somu - who was the monitor of the class, Mani - the mighty good for nothing, the brilliant Sankar, Samuel - the "pea", and Rajam - the police super intender's son (need I say more!).

He is also one of the founders of MCC - Malgudi Cricket Club which is one of his greatest passions. He's an excellent bowler and the team wouldn't do well without him. He goes to practice every day after school.

This book also shows the contrast between the lives of the different classes of people. While Swami lived in a small house, his room being one corner of his father's office, he eats homemade food for tiffin (snacks) and cold coffee, his best friend Rajam has his own room with a shelf full of toys and a cook who brings out yummy snacks and hot coffee. Swami is struck with awe when he visits Rajam's house and is very pleased when Rajam gives one of his toys to him.

The author establishes a child's world through Swami, who goes through the rollercoasters of life - happy one day after adventures with his friends and running away from home after getting suspended from two schools. The book is pleasantly detailed about his relationship with his grandma who always listens to what he has to say, his adoration for his baby brother, and the scary looks of his father when he wants to run out to play before finishing his homework.

One of the scenes I enjoyed reading is when Swami has his examinations. He finishes the paper very early and waits for at least one other person to go out of the class before him. He finally cooks up the courage to submit his work and go out, only to realize that his friends are still writing. He waits for a long time being bored out of his mind. His peers finally come out and discuss their answers. Swami then realizes that for an essay question for which his friends had written more than one page, he had only written a sentence. His confidence shatters but conceals it from his friends. Reading this took me back to my school days where I experienced the same as Swami. I always finished early and had whispered arguments with my friends asking them to submit the paper first.

Reading Swami and Friends and all other books by R K Narayan is fun to read and is very relatable to our childhood days.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this review and I hope you take the time to read the book. Let me know which part of this book you can most relate to.

For people who prefer watching a story instead of reading, you can watch the television series ( YT Link ) that was started in 1986.

Happy Reading!

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R. K. Narayan

Dec 09, 2012

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• compassionate humanism
• engladia insurance company
• language novelist
• spiritual guru
• swami shares

Presentation Transcript

R. K. Narayan • R. K. Narayan (October 10, 1906 - May 13, 2001), born Rasipuram Krishnaswami Ayyar Narayanaswami,(Tamil: ராசிபுரம் கிருஷ்ணசுவாமி அய்யர் நாராயணசுவாமி ) (Kannada: ಆರ್.ಕೆ.ನಾರಯಣ್) is among the best known and most widely read Indian novelists writing in English. • 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 lived till age of ninety-four, writing for more than fifty years, and publishing 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.

The Dark Room

The Dark Room • The Dark Room is a novel written by R.K.Narayan, the well known English-language novelist from India. Like most of his other works, this is a tale set in the fictitious town of Malgudi. • This work of literature was first published in Great Britain in 1938 by Macmillan & Co., Ltd. London. The first Indian edition came out in 1956. • Plot introduction • The central character of this novel is Savitri, a submissive housewife, who is married to Ramani, an employee of the Engladia Insurance Company. They have three children, Kamala, Sumati and Babu. Savitri is a typical housewife of the India of those times, very much dominated and neglected by her husband. There is a dark room in their house where Savitri retires whenever her husbands harshness seems unbearable to her. • Plot summary • The Engladia Insurance Company takes a decision to take in more women probationers into its branches. Given the task of interviewing the applicants, Ramani is smitten by one Mrs. Shanta Bai, an elegant and independent woman recently separated from her husband. Ramani strongly recommends that she be employed. • An intimacy develops between the two that puts a strain on the martial life of Savitri and Ramani. Ramani arranges for Shanta Bai to be accommodated in the spare room of the office, in the process taking several pieces of furniture from his home to furnish the room, including a bench, which was Savitri's favourite piece of furniture. Savitri eventually learns of her husband's relationship with the new woman in his office. She tries to win him back, but he pays no attention to her. All the suppressed frustration inside her bursts out one night when Ramani comes home, surprising everyone, including herself. • She threatens to leave the house, and Ramani, thinking she is bluffing, taunts her and tells her to go ahead. She packs the few belongings she has and leaves the house. She attempts to take the children too, but is stopped by Ramani. • She attempts to drown herself in the Sarayu river, but is rescued by Mari, the locksmith, umbrella-repairer and blacksmith of Sukkur village, who is also a burglar at nights. He and his wife, Ponni, take Savitri to their home. Savitri is now obsessed with leading a self sufficient life, as she has had enough of being dependent on her husband so far. For a short period of time, she succeeds in doing so by taking up a small job as a servant in a small temple. But soon, she yearns to be near her children once more. Sadly, she realises that she must return home.

The Guide • Plot summary • Raju is a railway guide who becomes obsessed with Rosie, the neglected wife of an anthropologist Marco. Rosie has a passion for dancing which Marco doesn't approve of. Rosie, encouraged by Raju, decides to follow her dreams and walks out on her husband. Raju becomes her stage manager and soon with the help of Raju's marketing tactics, Rosie becomes a successful dancer. Raju, however, develops an inflated sense of self-importance and tries to control Rosie. Gradually, the relationship between Raju and Rosie becomes strained. Marco reappears and Raju inadvertently gets involved in a case of forgery and gets a two year sentence. After completing the sentence, Raju is passing through a village when he is mistaken for a sadhu (a spiritual guru). Reluctant not having to return in disgrace to Malgudi, he stays in an abandoned temple. There is a famine in the village and Raju is expected to keep a fast to get the rains. With media publicizing his fast,a huge crowd gathers (much to Raju's resentment) to watch him fast. After fasting for several days, he goes to the riverside one morning as part of his daily ritual, where his legs sag down as he feels that the rain is falling in the hills. The ending of the novel leaves unanswered the question of whether he dies, or whether the drought has really ended.

The Man-Eater of Malgudi

The Man-Eater of Malgudi • Plot summary • It revolves around the life of a printer named Nataraj, who lives in a huge ancestral house. He leads a contented lifestyle, with his own circle of friends, such as Sen, the politician and Sastri, his assistant whom Nataraj respects very much. One day, a taxidermist named Vasu arrives at the office of Nataraj and demands the printing of 100 visiting cards. Although Nataraj does this, Vasu seems to have no intention of paying him. Vasu is a type of a bully, and is often compared to a Rakshasa (a Demon) by Nataraj and Sastri. Vasu takes up residence in the attic of Nataraj's house, and does not pay him any money or sign any contract based on the rent. Vasu is a muscleman, proud of his strength. As the story continues, Vasu encroaches on Nataraj's life, and scares away his friends, his customers and so on. One day, Nataraj decides to hold a function to commemorate the release of a book of poetry by a friend. Later he learns that Vasu plans to shoot an elephant for his collection in the procession of Nataraj's friend. The protagonists frantically try to stop him, but in vain. As Nataraj decides to talk to Vasu for once and for all, he finds Vasu sleeping, but the next morning he discovers that Vasu is dead. The autopsy takes place, with the verdict being that he was not poisoned and that there are no signs of physical injury. The case is declared closed, but the reputation of Nataraj's press is ruined and his friends and other people start avoiding him. Later, Nataraj learns from Rangi, a woman who was familiar with Vasu, that Vasu was not murdered, but died in the attempt to smash a fly sitting on his temple. He had damaged one of his nerves with his powerful hands and died instantly. Now Nataraj is rid of Vasu, and the story ends on the note that all demons, rakshashas and monsters are the downfall of themselves.

The Painter of Signs

The Painter of Signs • The Painter of Signs, 1976, is one of Narayan's novels which takes place in the fictional Indian town of Malgudi. The Painter of Signs follows the unusual courtship of Raman, a sign painter in Malgudi, and Daisy, a career wise feminist working to make family planning availabe to all of India. She employs Raman to paint signs and murals for various clinics throughout the countryside. During their business travel, Raman becomes infatuated with Daisy who is determined to succeed in her own business before becoming his wife.

Malgudi Days

Malgudi Days • Malgudi Days is a collection of short stories by R.K.Narayan that focused on the trial and tribulations of a small Indian town of Malgudi. According to R.K. Narayan, Malgudi is a town "habited by timeless characters who could be living anywhere in the world" and is located on the banks of river Sarayu and surrounded by the Mempi Hills. • [edit] Background • As an attempt to popularize television, the Government of India undertook several steps to popularize the already powerful medium. The 1970s and 1980s saw a boom in television programming as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting invited independent producers and directors to shoot television serials on a regular basis; Malgudi Days was one such television serial. • The serial was directed by the late Kannada actor and director, Shankar Nag, and was shot entirely near Agumbe in Shimoga District, Karnataka. The music was rendered by and was produced by of the . It included many of Narayan's short stories and novels such as Swami and Friends and The Vendor of Sweets. • Vendor of Sweets narrated the story of a sweet vendor, Jagan, his business and confrontation with his son who had returned from abroad. The title role was played by Kannada actor, Anant Nag, and its plot is non-existent in the book. • Swami and Friends revolves around ten-year old Swaminathan, or Swami as he is known by other characters. Swami portrays the growing pangs of a boy who despises school, as he makes excuses and roams around Malgudi with his friends. Swami's father works in a government office and his mother is a housewife. At home, Swami shares his adventures with his aged granny, who lovingly addresses him as "Chamy." Swami also has two close friends; Mani and the son of the Police Chief Superintendent, Rajam. Swami's character was enacted by Manjunath, a regular feature in many of Shankar Nag directed movies. • The sketches for the serial were done by Narayan's brother and acclaimed cartoonist, R.K. Laxman. Thirty-nine episodes of "Malgudi Days" were telecast on Doordarshan . Subsequently, it was re-telecast on Doordarshan and later on Sony Entertainment Television. • [edit] Return of Malgudi Days • The National Film Award-winning film-maker Kavitha Lankesh was recently hired by Doordarshan to re-shoot the serial in an effort to resuscitate it[1]. Currently, she is creating 26 new episodes of "Malgudi Days" in Hindi based on R.K. Narayan's short stories/novel.

The Financial Expert

The Financial Expert • Much of what makes Narayan’s novel, The Financial Expert so fascinating is his use of simple language to describe complex characters. Throughout The Financial Expert the reader is introduced to several characters that may seem to play only a minor role, but in fact, are highly developed—almost without the reader being aware of it. Certainly, the main character, Margayya, is highly developed and the reader is given many insights into his motivations and thoughts. Other characters in The Financial Expert are not so explicitly developed, yet their force in the novel is cannot be underestimated, nor can their implicit development be ignored. •             Although the narrator of The Financial Expert seems to give us limited insight to some of the more minor characters, his (or her) descriptions of the inner thoughts of Margayya are potent and give us a full and rounded portrait. We know, for instance, that everything Margayya does throughout a majority of the book’s body is motivated by his insatiable lust for wealth, which eventually causes him to abandon his modest living under the banyan tree for dreams and short-lived wealth and power. One of the most revealing statements about Margayya is, quite simply as explained in one of the important quotes from "The Financial Expert", “money alone is important in this world. Everything else will come to us naturally if we have money in our purse" (21). Through short, sparse insights like these, which are written in simple and quite honestly, rather uncreative language, a portrait of the psychology of this character begins to emerge. The process of character creation seems to be almost effortless for Narayan, and even though we are given far less information about other characters, their descriptions, thus reality, becomes immediate without the reader ever realizing it. This process of character development in "The Financial Expert" leads to the reader having a difficult time deciding between major and minor characters, simply because all of them are realized by Narayan in almost the same way—through description of action rather than complex narratives of thought of psychology. •             An illustrative example of Naryan’s character development techniques involves Dr. Pal. While he may not be seen to be a major (of not on par with Margayya himself) character, this is because of Naryan’s style of relating information about characters. Arguably, the primary motivator in the book is Dr. Pal. The reader is not often let on to the motivations and private thoughts of Dr. Pal yet he is the one that drives the action. While the reader can never quite figure out this strange character of dubious background (not to mention employment) Narayan’s mastery of character “realization” is achieved through his descriptions and effects of one character upon another. For example, while Margayya is explained in detail, the descriptions of Dr. Pal’s actions are all the result of some sort of debauchery or foul play. He arranges the horoscope to fit the needs of Margayya, he is the one behind the sale of the illicit book, and ultimately, he is the one that is at least partially responsible for the Margayya eventual downfall

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‘Swami and Friends’ by R.K. Narayan: Book Summary and Analysis

May 31, 2022 By fizapathan Leave a Comment

Swami and Friends is the first novel penned by R.K. Narayan based in a fictional South Indian town called Malgudi. Swami and Friends is also the first book where Narayan introduced to the literary world the wonderful world of Malgudi from the viewpoint of a child studying in Albert Mission School in the pre-Independence period of India. Narayan based his first novel on his own childhood experiences living in Madras and Mysore, as is mentioned in his autobiography titled My Days . Swami and Friends was first published in 1935 with the help of the bestselling contemporary classic writer Grahame Greene who acted as a sort of mentor to Narayan.

Swami and Friends is the story of a South Indian schoolboy called Swaminathan who was mischievous, naïve, and impressionable. His best friend and playmate is a tough-looking boy named Mani, who fails several times in the Albert Mission School but is always looking out to use his muscle power. The other close friend of Swami is Rajam, who is the new police superintendent’s son. Rajam is a boy used to living a posh lifestyle, is studious, excels in whatever he does, and is highly patronizing towards Swami. Rajam, at first, does not get along with Mani when he first arrives at Malgudi, but soon the three become thick friends.

Other friends of Swaminathan are mainly those he meets in school. Sankar is the topper and scholar of the class whom no one in the group really trusts. Somu is the virtuous and amiable monitor of the class who has some leadership qualities but who, in the end, fails to be promoted to a higher standard, thus falling behind his school friends. Then comes the Pea or Samuel, the only Christian in this group of friends. Due to his slight frame, the Pea is called a ‘gram’, but he is a cheerful lad ready to crack many a joke with Swami during and sometimes after school hours. The Pea, however, is at times divided in his loyalty towards his friends, especially concerning his Christian faith and his attachments towards the British rule, which the Swadeshi public was against.

The novel revolves around Swami’s school life before the birth of his younger infant brother till the time he loses the trust of Rajam, his closest friend, when he bunks an important cricket match. The story is realistic, entertaining, and highly satirical of South Indian middle-class society in the pre-Independence period and until the time of Globalization in India. Through the characters of Swami’s family, we get a good view of life in a white-collar South Indian family in India. W.T. Srinivasan Swami’s father is a lawyer and is very strict and tyrannical with Swami. Swami’s father always tries to control the actions and movements of Swami and is stopped many a time from doing so by his wife and by his mother, who is Swami’s elderly and senile paternal grandmother. Srinivasan, at times, is very harsh and cruel with Swami and is especially fond of grudging Swami his playtime in the afternoon sun during the school’s Summer Vacations. Many hilarious but satirical incidents between father and son are a delight to read and relish for their rich content and the subtle framing of sentences in different contexts. One such example is when Srinivasan commands Swami to solve a Simple Proportion sum on the price of mangoes. Swami asks his father first to tell him whether the mangoes are ripe or not so that he can make a better estimate about the price! This shows Swami to be selectively clever, witty, and brilliant. On the other hand, Srinivasan rules his home with an iron hand, but he tends to fail in his conquests, especially concerning his wife’s and mother’s take on specific important issues.

The first school where Swami studied was Albert Mission High School, a prestigious and well-reputed school in Malgudi run by a British Christian administration. The second school he attended was the Board High School, where Swami studied towards the latter half of his school career sometime after the Civil Disobedience Movement strike in Malgudi regarding the arrest of Gauri Sankar in Bombay on account of the Indian Independence Non-Violent Movement. In his hyper and highly suggestive state, Swami takes part in the protest against the arrest of Gauri and damages the window panes of the Headmaster’s office at Albert Mission High School. When the Headmaster pulled him up the next day, Swami ran out disrespectfully from school, which led to him being dismissed, and he had to be enrolled in the Board High School.

The Board High School was stricter and more activity-based than the Albert Mission High School. We notice that the Albert Mission High School signifies the complacency of the British Raj while the Board High School represents the upcoming wave of Indianized schools with their rigorous school studies and extracurricular and co-curricular activities to mainly prove that even indigenous schools could be run as well as British schools. Thus, the Board High School does not allow a student free time to muse over life at all, attendance is compulsory even for drill practice, and the homework and classwork surpass that of Albert Mission School. We notice, however, that compared to the Albert Mission High School lifestyle, Swami, who otherwise takes life as it comes in a laid-back manner, is forced to wake up to reality in the Board High School and take charge of his life and studies.

Swami’s friends keep in touch with him even though Swami changes schools because they all belong to a cricket club called the Malgudi Cricket Club or M.C.C. Swami is a good bowler in this club and is nick-named ‘Tate’ for his super wicket-taking ball curves. Rajam is the true think-tank behind this club and is its captain and guiding force. We see leadership and a sense of logical and organized thinking in the actions of Rajam in this portion of the text. Rajam implores Swami not to miss the after-school cricket practices, for they will have an important match with the Y.M.U. or the Young Men’s Union. Swami tries his best to live up to Rajam’s expectations of him. Alas, the boy can only leave school after 5:00 pm from his regimented school drill practices and turns up every time on the cricket field when the sun is already set below the horizon, thus terminating any practice.

Swami is still convinced that he will make it to the rest of the practice sessions and tries to convince a medical practitioner to write him a leave note for the same. The medical practitioner, Dr. T. Kesavan, promises to speak to Swami’s Board High School Headmaster on his behalf but purposefully does not fulfill his promise landing Swami into a lot of trouble. Swami then decides to run away from the Board High School but realizes that this time his father, Srinivasan, would not tolerate his dismissal even from this school in a matter of a few months. Thus, Swami resolutely decides to run away from home. This part of the text indicates the naivety of Swami, thinking that even though he was running away from home, he would be able to return somehow to the Y.M.U. vs. M.C.C. cricket match happening in one and a half-day.

Swami misses the match and loses Rajam’s trust, favour, and friendship in the bargain. He and Rajam no longer are on talking terms. Mani now acts as the middleman between Rajam and Swami. This is ironic because, at the beginning of the novel, Swami was first the middleman between Mani and Rajam, especially when they were challenging each other to a sort of duel contest. In that duel, the three put aside their differences and became friends and became a popular trio in their area. True, most of the friends, including Swami, befriended Rajam because of his clout with the higher authorities and the police, as well as the fact that he was well versed in English and was much more intelligent and wealthier than them all. Rajam, at the beginning of the novel, was the peacemaker of the group. He managed to unite the friends, especially after the violent quarrel over calling Swami a ‘tail’ of Rajam! Swami, the Pea, and Sankar had had a physical and verbal fight in this instance. Also, later on in this account, Mani, and Somu, the monitor, had an equally violent fight. Rajam brought them all back together at his house by bribing them with gifts from his toy cupboard.

The central portion of this novel centres on the study schedule of Swami and his friends, especially during the time of the examinations. Swami’s tyrannical father forces Swami to study for long hours at his desk and not waste his time with his grandmother, baby brother, mother, or friends. Swami does not realize the importance of an examination and is more interested in the summer vacations. From time immemorial, the summer vacations, especially for junior school students, have always been exceptionally long in India. Still, Swami’s carelessness towards his studies is hilarious to read and ponder over. All his friends, including Mani, seem to realize the importance of an exam and answering an exam paper with all sincerity or at least as well as possible, except Swami. Swami instead is bothered about non-essentials like clips, pins, nibs, exam cardboard pads, etc. He is more interested in going shopping at a stationary mart for these purchases with the money his father would loan him. Instead, Srinivasan ridicules Swami’s list and cancels many of the items on his list, thus taking the wind out of Swami’s dreams of going shopping for exam materials.

Swami answers his Tamil paper haphazardly, especially where the last question is concerned, and leaves the examination hall twenty minutes early. His friends are all busy with their papers, and Swami is puzzled why they are taking so long to answer a simple moral question. Little did he know that the last question he had answered in just one sentence required pondering and a longer answer. Swami hides his mistake from his friends. Due to this inferiority complex, he often tended to make a fool of himself or land himself into trouble. This was also the case when the first time Rajam came to Swami’s home, Swami lied to Rajam, saying that the room they were seated in was his room and not his father’s when the opposite was true. Rajam sees past Swami’s sham and yet is gracious enough not to ridicule him in his own dwelling. We notice this sagacity in Rajam many times throughout the whole text.

On the other hand, Swami suffers from a severe inferiority complex that affects him and the people he is dealing with. Elders are aware of this aspect of Swami and try to cover up for him, but Srinivasan begs to differ with their mollycoddling of Swami. He prefers treating his son with a dictatorial hand that tends to be severely harsh, especially when Srinivasan is irritable. However, Swami’s father does have pity and is fond of his son. That is why in one part of the text, we see him taking his son along with him to the club where he plays cards and tennis, to cheer him up. Srinivasan can be a pleasant person to interact with but is not precisely exceptionally good at handling children of Swami’s age and temperament. The time Srinivasan learns that his son has not returned home from the Board High School towards the end of the novel makes him guilty about how he has been treating his son all through the major part of the boy’s school life. Thus, during the disappearance, the prime thought in his mind is not that Swami has had an accident or been kidnapped but that he must have committed suicide due to harassment.

Srinivasan, therefore, checks the Sarayu River to see whether his son’s dead body is floating on the surface or whether his body has been mangled on the railway tracks of the Malgudi Railway Station. Srinivasan knows about Swami’s minus points and that he can tell a lot of lies to suit his convenience. Swami tried to bunk school the day Rajam was going to visit the Headmaster at the Board High School by faking to his grandmother and mother that he had a fever. Through sympathy and not through the truth of the thermometer, Swami was allowed to stay at home, which Srinivasan detested but was a good enough sport to congratulate his son on his victory!

Swami has a somewhat distanced relationship with his infant brother. The boy is born in the home with the help of a lady medical practitioner. Swami, at first, seems uninterested in the birth of his brother but later warms up to the child because of his adorable cuteness. Swami is too innocent and simple to realize that babies grow up and believes that his brother will remain as he is forever. Srinivasan is friendly and affectionate with his younger son, even skipping his attendance at work to spend some quality time with the child. This is in stark contrast to Srinivasan’s attitude towards his older son, for whom he does not even think of buying new clothes or toys. Still, Swami seems fond of his younger brother though he realizes that the brother is given more attention than he is.

Swami’s mother’s name is Laxmi, and she is a highly irritable and complaining sort of individual. She is dependent on her husband and needs his permission even to pay small amounts to the people who did service for her. In fact, as is mentioned in the autobiography My Days , Srinivasan and Laxmi are very much similar to Narayan’s own father and mother. They lived in Mysore, where Narayan spent the latter half of his schooling. Compared to Srinivasan, Laxmi, too, is pretty aloof from her elder son. She is more preoccupied with the kitchen work and nursing the younger son. Swami deals very little with her and usually only seeks her help when he wishes to avoid an unpleasant situation. When Swami goes missing, Laxmi goes berserk, creates a funeral atmosphere in the house, and stops eating until Swami returns. Swami notes with relish and gladness that his younger infant brother was sidelined in place of him, at least in this singular instance in his life.

Swami’s running away is something typical of his retreating nature. He is of a romantic disposition and highly dramatic, exaggerating the separation between his friends of the M.C.C. and himself. Ironically, he does not even get to spend a good one day away on his own, and the cravings for home food and his mother’s good cooking call him back homeward. However, he gets lost on the way back and, being petrified, hallucinates the way a half-famished child usually does when in such a situation. He falls asleep in the middle of the road and is picked up by a cartman who brings him to the District Forest Officer, Mr. M.P.S. Nair who contacts Rajam’s father and then his parents to come to collect their missing son.

Rajam does not forgive Swami for running away just a few hours before the commencement of a crucial match that could make or break the M.C.C. In the absence of Swami, the M.C.C. lose miserably, and all Rajam missed that day of the game was that his team needed a good bowler to win the match. Rajam converses with Mani but ignores Swami. Rajam does not even bother when Swami is found with Nair. Swami is shattered by the news that he missed the cricket match. He thought he was a day early for the game, little knowing that Nair fooled him to calm him down. Swami is furious at Nair for tricking him and thus giving him a false notion of the actual time.

The last part of the text indicates a train farewell. Rajam’s father was transferred to Trichinopoly, and Rajam was leaving, having bidden farewell to Mani but not having said a word about Swami. Swami, heartbroken about the separation, decides to gift Rajam his favorite book of Anderson fairy tales. This is Swami’s pathetic and simplistic gesture to at least keep his memory fresh in the mind of his friend, who meant so much to him. It is evident that Rajam would never read Anderson because he was too old and well-read for reading fairy tales. The indication is that the whole story of Rajam, Mani, and Swami was like a fairy story itself. Rajam came like a tornado into the lives of Swami and the rest and changed them forever, raising their standards about studies, friendship, and good behaviour. Now he was leaving forever, and Swami was determined to believe that just the way he would never forget Rajam, he hoped in the same way, Rajam would not forget him. The story ends with Swami watching Rajam’s train leave the Malgudi station and Mani watching the parting of once two inseparable friends. It’s an anti-climax of sorts like most of Narayan’s novels which makes one feel incomplete at the end of the tale, thinking that somewhere in a place called Malgudi, Swami still lives there with Mani, the Pea, Somu, and others living a life similar to many Indians and yet so different from our present time and generation. 

Swami and Friends is a celebration of the ideal and typical South Indian childhood of the twentieth century. It highlights the main activities that meant a lot to the pre-digital generation of children, like cycle hoops, playacting, cricket matches after school, and long summer vacations spent running around in the heat of the noonday sun. Swami and Friends did not sell many copies when it was first released in 1935, but today it is one of the most loved of R.K. Narayan’s novels, and Swaminathan is one of the most analyzed Indian fictional characters in the Indian literary scene. The book is still a first read for young children, full of realistic and homely characters with their own eccentric peevishness but which makes them relatable. R.K. Narayan is known as the Grand-Old Man of Malgudi and is the celebrated author of several novels and short stories, all primarily set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. 

I enjoyed re-reading and reviewing Indian writer R.K. Narayan’s novel, Swami and Friends . If you want to read my analysis of R.K. Narayan’s autobiography titled My Days , you can check that out here . If you want to read more of my short story analyses of R.K. Narayan’s short stories, you can check that out here . If you liked this book review and want to know more about me, check out my memoirs titled The Reclusive Writer & Reader of Bandra and Scenes of a Reclusive Writer & Reader of Mumbai . I hope to re-read and review more of R.K. Narayan’s fiction soon.

If you are interested in more book reviews, book analysis, short story analysis, poems, essays, essay analysis, and other bookish content, check out my blog insaneowl.com. If you are interested in purchasing my books, you can check out the products page on my blog. There is a lot of good stuff to buy. Happy reading to you always!

©2022 Fiza Pathan

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Swami and Friends

R. K. Narayan | 4.36 | 10,718 ratings and reviews

Ranked #26 in Indian Author , Ranked #92 in Indian

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R. K. Narayan

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

25 July 2012

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