Similar stories

As I have continued to read through the Swami and Friends, I can't help but notice a definite parallel with My Life in the Bush of Ghost. Although the two novels are different they both have a theme of an alternate universe. The passage we discussed in class today, pg. 128, where Swami is in the forest by himself is a perfect example. Yes, his fear is driven by him being young, but in order to make it out of that fearful place he imagines himself on the cricket field. This alternate universe and mindset helps him to control certain things. He doesn't have to be scared because he is winning the cricket game. Swami is seen as a naive child throughout the entire novel, and only at the end does he finally start making these connections to the real world. Being a child that is ignorant to the things of the world, such as consequences, has brought Swami this far but at some point he must face reality. I feel like this is very similar to My Life in the Bush of Ghost because the ghost world is an alternate universe, however, reality has to be entered into at some point. Now in this novel, yes, the character has a choice to enter back into the ghost world or not, where as Swami does not have this choice. Growing up is inevitable, and unfortunately Swami has to come to the realization that the real world isn't also fun and full of friends. I was suprised the novel ended this way, but I did think it was an epic moment when Swami realizes that Rajam probably isn't going to write and they probably won't be friends. It was sad to see a child step out of the clouds of childhood and on to this highway we call life, which is sure to blindside you at any moment. Narayan does a wonderful job of showing the progression of his character and the changes that are inevitable in a vastly changing world.