The Mystic Masseur

The Mystic Masseur by V. S. Naipaul is a comic novel set in Trinidad and centred on Ganesh Ramsumair, an ambitious young man whose career takes several unexpected turns. Beginning as a struggling writer and aspiring intellectual, Ganesh gradually becomes known as a healer and spiritual figure before entering public life. Through his rise, Naipaul explores ambition, social status, religion, politics and the changing identity of a colonial society. The novel combines satire and humour with sharp observation of community life, making it an engaging portrait of aspiration and social transformation.