Writer's Nightmare: Selected Essays, 1958-88

Book Details

• Author: R. K. Narayan

• Publisher: Penguin India

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780140107913

• Pages: 240

• Cover: Paperback

• Release Date: 14-10-2000

• Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.0 x 0.6 inches

About the Book

• A Writer’s Nightmare* is a delightful collection of thirty years' worth of essays by R. K. Narayan, India’s most celebrated English-language novelist. While Narayan is best known for his novels, his essays reveal an equally charming and insightful side of his writing.

Narayan, with his characteristic warmth and wit, delves into a wide array of subjects, from the everyday to the extraordinary. As he states in the introduction, he has always been drawn to the personal essay, a form that allows for the exploration of both the external world and the internal thoughts of the writer. His essays cover topics ranging from the mundane, like weddings, coffee, and umbrellas, to the more complex, such as the caste system and love.

Narayan’s reflections are often humorous, occasionally satirical, and always deeply human. Whether he's writing about the small joys of daily life or pondering more philosophical matters, his essays capture the essence of India, its people, and their myriad experiences. In this collection, readers can find a world that is both familiar and strange, with Narayan’s trademark ability to illuminate the simplest moments with the utmost clarity and insight.

• A Writer’s Nightmare* is a tribute to Narayan’s extraordinary talent and a testament to his ability to bring out the beauty in even the smallest of life’s details. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys the charm of his novels or simply appreciates the art of thoughtful, reflective writing.

About the Author

R. K. Narayan (1906–2001) was one of India’s most prominent and beloved writers, known for his novels, short stories, and essays. His works, particularly those set in the fictional town of Malgudi, capture the essence of Indian life with humor, compassion, and a deep understanding of human nature. Narayan’s writing, though deeply rooted in Indian culture, is universally relatable, making him one of the most significant figures in modern Indian literature.