The World of Nagaraj

The fictional town of Malgudi, India, is home to tranquil Nagaraj, whose daily routine of religious ritual and study of a Sanskrit scholar's oeuvre is unsettled by the arrival of his modern nephew. ``The Malgudi residents are talkative, philosophical and able to confront events with wonder and humor,'' said PW. ``Narayan captures the rhythm of generally contented lives.'' (July)