narayan's mentor and friend graham greene was instrumental in getting publishers for narayan's first four books including the semi-autobiographical trilogy of "swami and friends", "the bachelor of arts" and "the english teacher". the fictional town of malgudi was first introduced in "swami and friends". narayan's "the financial expert" was hailed as one of the most original works of 1951 and sahitya academy award winner "the guide" was adapted for film (winning a filmfare award for best film) and for broadway.