Apprentice

A novel totally different in tone from all other novels and writings of Arun Joshi. The protagonist, Ratan Rathor, represents the quintessence Everyman - a contrast to other protagonists as his intellectual level is much lower. An unsophisticated youth, jobless, he comes to the city in search of a career, unscrupulous and ready to prostitute himself for professional advancement. Seduced by materialistic values, he takes a bribe to clear a large lot of defective weapons. As a consequence, a brigadier, who is also his friend has to desert his post, and to escape ignomy, commits suicide. A penitent Rathor avoids confessing his guilt but tries to achieve redemption by cleaning the shoes of devotees every morning at a temple.