Book of the Month -- April

Sometimes you come across a book that is so simple yet so profound in its writing, that it keeps haunting you long after you have finished reading it.

My Book of the Month for April is one such book that has left a lasting impact on me, so much so, that no matter how many times I read it, it never fails to dazzle me with its simplicity!

The English Teacher is the story of Krishna, who teaches English in the Albert Mission College in Malgudi, while his wife Susila and new born daughter Leela stay with his in-laws in another town nearby. A move into a new rented house, brings the promise of a life of marital bliss for the young couple and they look forward to the simple pleasures of everyday life.

But a cruel twist of fate snatches away Susila, leaving Krishna alone to care for his now 3 year old child and face a life of loneliness and despair.

And then, just when Krishna thinks that he has lost everything, he receives a message from an unknown source which promises to bring the sunshine back into his grey world.

Written by R.K. Narayan, one of the most iconic Indian authors, The English Teacher is a simple yet beautiful tale which has love, life and the afterlife as its central theme. The flow of the book is dreamy, almost lyrical, and you are transported into a tranquil little world where life exists without its usual complexities.

Read it to get the stress out of your mind. Read it also if you want to read a classic which has been written in the simplest of English. But most importantly read it to get a taste of Malgudi, the wonderland that was created by R.K. Narayan and cherished by young and old alike.

P.S. Since I am suffering from a very serious bout of "Cricket Fever", much due to the fact that my Team India has been A-W-E-S-O-M-E so far and will be playing the Cricket World Cup finals in Mumbai, I am being a little lazy about posting reviews regularly. Sincere apologies to everyone... I will be back after 3rd April!! (: