Set in pre-independent India, Malgudi Schooldays revolves around little Swami and his many adventures in the fictional town of Malgudi. Swami, the protagonist, is a young boy who does not really enjoy school. Often indulging in pranks, school for Swami is a terrible burden. Gazing at trains, entertaining himself by noting different hairstyles and caps, breaking the principal s window, and running away from school are just a few of the antics that comprise the schooldays of the protagonist. Swami, Somu, Mani, Samuel and Shankar are very good friends who often indulge in adventures together. But the dynamics are all about to change when the intelligent and bold Rajam enters the group. The Malgudi Cricket Club or MCC is started and Swami is elected to be the team s bowler. A star of the team, Swami soon is faced with a new problem. He has to attend the school drill and the cricket coaching at the same time. How will Swami handle the new boy? Will Swami be able to attend the cricket coaching? Or will his misadventures get him into further trouble? Malgudi Schooldays is a highly invigorating account of the nostalgic school days of Swami and his friends. Written from the perspective of the young troublemaker, the book revisits the innocence, imagination, and simpler times of childhood. This edition of Malgudi Schooldays by Penguin classics was published in 2009 and is popular among the young and old alike. It is inclusive of an introduction by Shashi Deshpande. - from Amzon