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Formerly India's most corrupt tourist guide, Raju-just released from prison-seeks refuge in an abandoned temple. Mistaken for a holy man, he plays the part and succeeds so well that God himself intervenes to put Raju's newfound sanctity to the test. Narayan's most celebrated novel, The Guide won him the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, his country's highest literary honor.
Anonymous
Posted August 28, 2006
I really enjoyed reading this book, although it was required for school. It was hard to read at first, but then it was actually a good book. It was a story of a man who started with nothing, then had everything, and then ends up with nothing again. It is great writing and Narayan really does a great job.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 19, 2000
1. Raju- he is an unforgivable rascal, responsible for ruining the peace of Marco , Rosie , his own mother and family and above all himself. He is a hateful sinner, an imbecile. His saintly attitudes at the end and the scanty virtues doesn't appeal much against his sins. He has been a hypocrit all his life. 2. Marco- I sympathise with Marco, an excellent scholar ; getting into a mess through his marital ventures. 3. Rosie-She is a partly mad creature. She is always torn into two by her own conscience. Very strange! Unpredictable! 4. Raju's father-he is a fine and ambitious man; clear in conscience.(That is why God gave him a painless death) 5. Raju's mother and uncle-they are very rightful in their judgements and common senses. Bravo! 6. The other characters are very commonplace, except Velan. He is a very faithful person. One pecuiliarity: even after extensive publicity over a vast period ,Raju's fame NEVER reached ANY of his former aquaintances. He remained an unidentified person all through! Overall performance: The book is good for India only. Foreigners will definitely find difficulty in understanding all the local terms used. A useful meessage:- Sentiments must not win over duties.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 27, 2000
The language is simple, the people are simple, the location is simple, yet the story is profound. Raju is human in every possible aspect, but still emerges way above the ordinary man he was. Mr Narayan moves effortlessly between the past and the present. I loved reading this book right from page one. It is insightful, funny, realistic with a touch of suspense and written by one of greatest, well known Indo-Anglian writers.
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Posted January 23, 2009
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Overview
Formerly India's most corrupt tourist guide, Raju-just released from prison-seeks refuge in an abandoned temple. Mistaken for a holy man, he plays the part and succeeds so well that God himself intervenes to put Raju's newfound sanctity to the test. Narayan's most celebrated novel, The Guide won him the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, his country's highest literary honor.