New introduction by Michael Garra

For the centennial of his birth, R. K. Narayan's most celebrated novel

Formerly India's most corrupt tourist guide, Raju-just released from prison-seeks refuge in an abandoned temple. Mistaken for a holy man, he plays the part and succeeds so well that God himself intervenes to put Raju's newfound sanctity to the test. Narayan's most celebrated novel, The Guide won him the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, his country's highest literary honor.

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