The World of Nagaraj

Visitors to the fictional town of Malgudi, created by prolific Indian writer Narayan, expect to be entertained by a microcosm of human relationships. In his 14th novel, Narayan continues to explore the busy lives of residents. Center stage is mild-mannered Nagaraj, ambling through his days dutifully observing religious ritual and aspiring to produce the definitive work on an ancient and perhaps non-relevant Sanskrit scholar. Nagaraj's dreams are frustrated by his practical wife, Sita, and his irrepressibly modern nephew, Tim, whose unexpected arrival unsettles Nagaraj's domestic tranquility. As the outer world presses in on Nagaraj, his customary equanimity, bolstered by interior dialogue, prevails. The Malgudi residents are talkative, philosophical and able to confront events with wonder and humor. Narayan ( Bachelor of Arts ; The English Teacher ) captures the rhythm of generally contented lives. (June)