Swami and Friends by R.K.Narayan

Swami and Friends by R.K.Narayan, is about story of idyllic childhood of Swaminathan(/Swami), when life for some lucky kids consists entirely of avoiding the homework and playing all the time in the street with friends. Swami is living in Narayan's beloved fictional town of Malgudi with his grandma with who he share very close relationship and often she help him from his oppressor's (his father & teacher)). Other characters are his closest friends, Mani and Rajam.

Swami & Mani just managing to crawl past exams to keep them in the class. Rajam is new student to Swami's class. Ofcourse with any new addition comes some scuffles but later Swami, Mani and Rajam became best of friends. Swami manages get thrown out school as he accidentally gets caught in Anti-British struggle. and even this changing school often, Swami manage to keep his friendship with Mani and Rajam. But his run away from the second continue. and final he finds no reason to stay home as well. years later Swami returns home only to find his childhood’s great calamities, in wait for him. book ends with bitter-sweet note.

Very nostalgic journey of school life with emotional high's & low's with friendship's, and little care but impacted by Nationalist movement of that times.

I cannot imagine anyone not liking this Book. Simple & Brilliant writing. Must Read and very good summer gift for kids.