V.S. Naipaul, the author who was razor sharp in his observation and was known for his masterful prose has passed away. He is survived by his wife, Nadira Alvi.
A House for Mr. Biswas is still loved by many of his readers for its vivid descriptions and impeccable writing. His quotable quotes include: ‘we read, really, to find out what we already know.’
Some of his best works include:
A House for Mr Biswas (1961)
A Flag on the Island (1967)
In a Free State (1971) – Booker Prize
Guerrillas (1975)
A Bend in the River (1979)
Magic Seeds (2004)
The writer was quite liked for his works and equally loathed by many who he annoyed with his criticism. Never one to hold back, he had fallouts with many people, notably with Paul Theroux whom he had mentored.
The Nobel committee in his praise remarked that Naipaul, “In a vigilant style, (he) transforms rage into precision and allows events to speak with their own inherent irony.”
Naipaul was also known for his colourful personal life marrying Nadira (many years his junior) after dumping his Anglo-Argentinean mistress while his first wife lay dying of complications arising from cancer. An authorised biography later revealed that he was visiting prostitutes while his own wife was battling disease.
He may have had the failings of a common man but his work inspired many and like his life, his work also invited criticism and anger notably India: A Wounded Civilisation.