R. K. Narayan (1906-2001), born and educated in India, was the author of fourteen novels, numerous short stories and essays, a memoir, and three retold myths. His work, championed by Graham Greene, who became a close friend, was often compared to that of Dickens, Chekhov, Faulkner, and Flannery O'Connor, among others.
Monica Ali, one of
Granta's "Best of Young British Novelists," is the author of
Brick Lane, finalist for the Man Booker Prize.