An Insight into the Book
RK Narayan, the veteran author who is credited with bringing Indian writing to the rest of the world has written a plethora of books to showcase some poignant themes of Indian society. The book ‘The Vendor of Sweets’ is full of delight; the novel will make you think hard about certain realms of life. It touches upon the themes of tradition, general conflicts and pursuit of one’s dreams. The author being the creator of his hypothetical town Malgudi sets the novel amidst the same place.
He crafts the story in a way that’s easily accessible for all. His characters are both real and relatable; they can make one feel seen, heard and understood. It explores the notion of self discovery and contrast in cultures. The protagonist and other main characters of the novel are on their journeys of discovering their inner selves. The author also puts forth the idea of how western cultures influence people residing in those countries.
A Quick Glance at the Story
The book revolves around the story of Jagan, the protagonist. He is a sweet vendor in the hypothetical town of Malgudi and is the perfect embodiment of the head of a conservative traditional Indian family. He is showcased to be a person who is very rooted to his culture. His life is very predictable and meticulously planned. Just like the sweets he sells, his life is in order and not very uncertain.
But his life takes a turn when his son Mali returns to the town of Malgudi from America. Mali is shown to be influenced from the western culture, in particular the counterculture movement of the 1960s. There begins the conflict. Jagan being a very orthodox and conservative individual does not approve of the lifestyle of Mali. The generation gap between Jagan and Mali worsens the situation. Through the character of Jagan, the author RK Narayan portrays the clash between the contrast in cultures in post-independence India. They witness the clash between old and new worldviews.
Final Take on the Book
The novel is a sweet treat. The readers who are habitual of reading more action-packed narratives might find the novel to be a little slow paced. But the book is a perfect portrayal of the dilemmas of an individual tied between the contrast of cultures. The conflict arising out of the situation renders the reader to feel the emotion of the protagonist Jagan and the main character Mali. The way it offers a clash between the traditions and modernity of India is a wholesome experience. Also, the timeless exploration of self-discovery the novel offers is a thing to swear by. This book is meant to make a lasting impression on your mind long after you have finished reading this.
