Product Description

Premchand is the most famous Hindi novelist, and Godaan is Premchand's most celebrated novel. Economic and social conflict in a north Indian village are brilliantly captured in the story of Hori, a poor farmer, and his family's struggle for survival and self-respect. An engaging introduction to India before Independence, Godaan is at once village ethnography, moving human document, and insightful colonial history. Out of print for many years, this translation is regarded as a classic in itself. Includes a new introduction by Vasudha Dalmia. Godaan was first published in 1936.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2322990 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-01
• Binding: Paperback
• 442 pages

Language Notes
Text: English, Hindi (translation)

About the Author
Premchand died in 1936, a few months after the publication of Godaan. He began writing while teaching at a government school, and adopted his pen name after his first book was labeled inflammatory by the British colonial government.

Customer Reviews

Read this book
I thought this was an excellent book that helped construct a frame for me to begin to understand India. After travelling in the country recently, my memories of the book helped me put into perspective what I saw about the Indians, and the times I saw them taking advantage of each other. More importantly, the book described the search for dignity that people of all countries must share. It is a very complex country and I was glad I read this.

Best Insight to Rural India's Problems
For those interested in the Indian Villages and the problems of the peasants this book is the best "relaxed" read.