Raja Rao est reconnu comme un romancier majeur dont l'œuvre explore les complexités de l'identité et de la spiritualité indiennes. Son écriture mêle magistralement les techniques narratives traditionnelles indiennes à des styles littéraires modernes, créant une voix unique et captivante. Les profondes explorations de Rao sur les rencontres culturelles et la quête de sens résonnent profondément chez les lecteurs. Ses romans sont célébrés pour leur beauté poétique et leur profondeur intellectuelle, solidifiant son importance dans la littérature contemporaine.
Raja Rao's collection of non-fiction reflects on the profound essence of India, emphasizing it as a metaphysical concept rather than merely a geographical or civilizational entity. Through a blend of fables, journeys, discussions, and meditations, the work explores the deeper significance of Indian identity and existence, offering readers a contemplative view on how India shapes one's perception of self and the world.
Regarded as the first major Indian novel in English, Kanthapura is the story of how Gandhi's struggle for Independence came to a casteist south Indian village. Young Moorthy, back from the city, brimming with new ideas, seeks to cut across ancient barriers and unite the villagers in non-violent action. The story emerges through the eyes of a delightful old woman, who comments on the villagers' actions with sharp-eyed wisdom, evoking the spirit of India's traditional folk epics.
The Sacred Wordsmith compiles the best of Raja Rao's writings, including his autobiographical Prefaces and Introductions. The volume puts together several of his noted acceptance speeches, including those for the Sahitya Akademi Award and Neustadt International Prize, and other famous pieces, such as 'The World is Sound', 'The Word', 'Why Do You Write?', 'The West Discovers Sanskrit', 'The English Language and Us', and 'The Story Round, Around Kanthapura', a fascinating, unpublished account of the makings of his famous first novel.