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Kindle Notes & Highlights
The Indian novel in English has been around for longer than is generally realized, with the first attempts dating to the middle of the nineteenth century.
The Guide stands as the greatest of Narayan’s comedies of self-deception.
A film of the novel, called simply Guide, was released in 1965, produced by and starring Dev Anand, directed by Vijay Anand, and with Waheeda Rehman as Rosie;
“The unbeaten brat will remain unlearned,” said my father, quoting an old proverb.
“I have a problem, sir,” said the man. Raju nodded his head and added, “So has everyone,” in a sudden access of pontificality.
My father, who wanted to save me from the language of the railway trackmen, had certainly not made a safer choice in sending me to this old man, who habitually addressed his pupils as donkeys and traced their genealogies on either side with thoroughness.
Raju remained silent. He could not open his lips without provoking admiration. This was a dangerous state of affairs.
The essence of sainthood seemed to lie in one’s ability to utter mystifying statements.
Travelers are an enthusiastic lot. They do not mind any inconvenience as long as they have something to see.
It worked. She said, “You are a brother to me” (“Oh, no,” I wanted to cry),
“The finest, whatever it may be, and I don’t believe in class or caste. You are an honor to your caste, whatever it may be.”
I’ve come to the conclusion that nothing in this world can be hidden or suppressed. All such attempts are like holding an umbrella to conceal the sun.
