R.K. Narayan is one of the best know Indian writers who writes in English. His works have been reviewed favorably and he has won many awards. He won the National prize of the Indian Literacy Academy. In 1965 he won the National Association of Independent Schools award. He also received a D. Lit from the University of Leeds. He received the English-speaking Union Book Award.

Narayan said that he didn't find it strange to write in English. He said that English was a language that was very old and he was very fond of it. He said that he never thought of it, as writing in a different language, but is was natural to him. He commented that it was a very adaptable language that it is so transparent it can take on the tint of any country. William Walsh and other critics had favorable comments for the use of Narayan's language.

Narayan uses the fictional setting of Malgudi. This village, where most of his books take place, is like Mysore, the town he grew up in. In Malgudi every sort of human condition is indigenous to India. He uses this town as an example to explain the life of Indians. Narayan's Malgudi has been compared to William Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha Country. Many critics have done this comparison stating how the authors both used similar ideas. Walsh stated, "Whatever happens in India happens in Malgudi. . ." Narayan never deals with British Imperialism directly, but by explaining the roles of his characters and the lives that he lives in, he indirectly addresses the issue of the British. The way of life of the Indians is described and so their story of how they were affected is told.

The characters in Narayan's stories are ones whose experience some kind of change. Most of his characters are from the middle class and represent different occupations. Narayan also talks about the village structure.

Not only does Narayan have a way of characterization, but also he has a comical side of treating his characters' failures and achievements. He has a mockery in his way of saying things of both himself and others. His humor is never condescending, and he always has sympathy for his characters.