Who is the author of the famous novel 'The Guide'?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer: R.K. Narayan
Explanation
The famous novel 'The Guide' was written by R.K. Narayan (Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami), one of the most celebrated pioneers of early Indian literature in English. Published in 1958, the novel is set in Narayan's signature fictional South Indian town of Malgudi.
The story follows the transformation of the protagonist, Raju, from a corrupt tour guide into a spiritual guide and holy man, accidentally becoming a messiah for a drought-stricken village. The novel brilliantly explores themes of cultural conflict, spiritual transformation, and human relationships. For this masterpiece, R.K. Narayan was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960, making him the first author to win it for an English novel. The book was also adapted into a highly successful 1965 Bollywood film titled Guide, starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman.
Key Points
Salman Rushdie is a prominent contemporary British-Indian novelist famous for works like Midnight's Children (which won the Booker Prize) and The Satanic Verses.
Ruskin Bond is a widely read Indian author of British descent, deeply loved for his stories depicting life in the Himalayan foothills, such as The Blue Umbrella and The Room on the Roof.
Amitav Ghosh is an acclaimed literary fiction writer known for historical settings, famous for his Ibis Trilogy (Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, Flood of Fire) and The Shadow Lines.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: What is the name of the iconic fictional town created by R.K. Narayan that serves as the setting for 'The Guide' and many of his other short stories?
Answer: The fictional town is named Malgudi.
Question: For which specific work did R.K. Narayan write a collection of short stories revolving around the adventures of a young boy named Swami?
Answer: The collection is titled Swami and Friends.