| Author | R. K. Narayan |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Methuen (UK) |
| Publication date | 1952 |
| Media type |
Introduction
“The Financial Expert” by R.K. Narayan is a novel that tells the story of Margayya, a self-proclaimed financial expert from the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. The novel is set in the pre-independence era in India and tells the story of Margayya’s rise to fame and fortune, and his eventual downfall due to his own greed and corruption.
The Financial Expert Summary by R.K. Narayan
The novel begins with Margayya, a small-time moneylender, trying to establish himself as a financial expert in the town of Malgudi. He starts off by offering simple financial advice to the locals and quickly gains a reputation as a man who can make anyone rich. Margayya’s business flourishes, and he becomes a respected figure in the town. He starts to offer his services to bigger clients and begins to make a lot of money.
As his wealth and reputation grow, Margayya becomes increasingly greedy and starts to take advantage of his clients. He starts to make risky investments and takes on more debt than he can handle. His business starts to falter, and his clients begin to lose money. Margayya’s greed and corruption ultimately lead to his downfall, and he loses everything.
Margayya’s downfall is mirrored by the decline of his personal life as well. His relationship with his wife and son deteriorates as he becomes more and more consumed by his business. His wife, who had always been supportive of him, starts to resent him for his neglect of their family. His son, Balu, who had idolized him, starts to see him for the flawed and greedy man he has become.
In the end, Margayya is left with nothing but his reputation as a financial expert, which he realizes is worth very little. He is forced to confront the fact that his entire life has been a lie and that he has nothing to show for it. The novel is a commentary on the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth. Narayan uses his characteristic wit, humor, and simplicity to tell the story of Margayya’s rise and fall in an engaging and relatable way.
The Financial Expert is considered one of Narayan’s most powerful and enduring works, and it is widely regarded as a classic of Indian English literature. It is a thought-provoking and insightful novel that explores the human condition in a way that is both relatable and universal. It is a novel that is both entertaining and enlightening, and one that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds and cultures.
Conclusion
“The Financial Expert” by R.K. Narayan is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth. The novel tells the story of Margayya, a self-proclaimed financial expert from the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, and his rise to fame and fortune, and eventual downfall due to his own greed and corruption.
Narayan’s writing style is characterized by its simplicity, wit, and humor, making the novel an engaging and relatable read. The novel is set in pre-independence India and provides an insightful look into the social and economic conditions of the time.
About the Author
R.K. Narayan (1906-2001) was an Indian novelist and short-story writer whose works were primarily set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. He was one of the most celebrated and distinguished Indian English-language writers of the 20th century. He wrote over 30 novels and several collections of short stories. His writing style is known for its simplicity, wit, and humor, and he is considered one of the most important figures in Indian English literature.