A poignant novel about the triumph of the human spirit over poverty''s privations and predicaments Ravi the son of a peasant joins in the general exodus away from destitution. The indifferent and harsh streets of the city lead him to the underworld of petty criminals. A chance misdeed acquaints him with Apu a tailor. Ravi begins working as Apu''s apprentice and when he falls in love with Nalini Apu''s daughter he joins the already crowded household. Apu dies and Ravi perseveres with the respecta