Mr. Sampath – The Printer of Malgudi
Novel by R. K. Narayan
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Mr. Sampath – The Printer of Malgudi is a 1949 novel by R. K. Narayan.[1] It was adapted into the films Mr. Sampat (Hindi, 1952) and a Tamil film sharing the same title (1972).
First edition | |
| Author | R.K. Narayan |
|---|---|
| Language | English language |
| Genre | Novel |
| Publisher | Eyre and Spottiswoode |
Publication date | 1949 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 978-1-4000-4477-1 |
| OCLC | 64574159 |
| 823/.914 22 | |
| LC Class | PR9499.3.N3 A6 2006b |
| Preceded by | The English Teacher |
| Followed by | The Financial Expert |
A comic realist novel of manners,[2] Mr. Sampath marks the first of three Narayan novels that take an external approach, focusing on events outside the protagonist, in contrast to Narayan's more internally-focused earlier novels.[3] The novel is set in 1938 under the British Raj, in the fictional town of Malgudi.[2]
Plot
The novel is made up of two parts: a first part dealing with the publication of a newspaper and centered on Mr. Sampath, and a second part focus on movie production and centered on Mr. Srinivas.[4]
In the first part, to bring out the journal The Banner, Mr. Srinivas, the editor, and Mr. Sampath, the printer, have to work together. The two entirely contrasting good-hearted characters forge a great partnership that makes The Banner the center of attention in Malgudi. However, a situation arises and they have to temporarily discontinue the journal.
In the second part, Srinivas and Sampath join hands with a film-making company where they have to trace varying paths, with their special bond still very deep. A love affair with the actress of the movie makes life difficult for the daring and over-ambitious Sampath, while the ethical Srinivas has his problems of over-responsibility. Some sour incidents in the studio force Srinivas to quit and revive his Banner with another printer, a thing that doesn't seem to bother Sampath caught entirely in the charm of the heroine. But Sampath comes back after the loss of the lady, his wealth, fame, and peace.