The Financial Expert (Phoenix Fiction Series)

Rating:
Summary: Delightful
Review: If you haven't yet discovered the pleasures of R.K. Narayan, I highly recommend The Financial Expert. It is nothing less than a classic. Superbly written, with humorously human characters and a well observed story. We follow the successes and of Margayya, the "financial expert" who lives in Narayan's fictional Malgudi. His story is amusing and entertaining. Narayan is a wonderful writer. Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Completely Satisfying.
Review: It is through this book that I began my love affair with Mr. Narayan's writing. His characters are wry and ironic and clear. One is transported and thoroughly engaged. Best of all, Mr. Narayan delivers the heart of a story without the glitter and glare of literary cleverness and intellectual showing-off. The gift is so simply and honestly packaged that one is amazed and gratified by its depth.

"The Financial Expert" takes place in the made-up city of Malgudi in southern India. It centers around the life and pursuits of a man named Margaya who daily sits in a public park and offers expert advice--to those willing to pay for it--on matters of financial import. As you follow along, it seems as if Margaya's life has finally taken a turn for the better, but in reality all is unraveling. The book is rich in imagery of life in India, and one's ease in absorbing these details is due to Mr. Narayan's ability to present the unfamiliar in such a familiar light.

I hope that many more people are lucky enough to discover Mr. Narayan's work.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best novels from one of my favourite authors.
Review: The book is about the life of an Indian chettiar (money-lender) and on his relationship with his son. Narayan's command of the English language is second to none and yet the book is extremely readable. Although set in India, the book will appeal to everyone: it is a good and interesting story, written in excellent English. ALL IN ALL, A FANTASTIC BOOK !