A Bend in the River

by

V. S. Naipaul

Malin is a French word meaning “clever” or “sly.” Mahesh uses it in a semi-derogatory way to describe and warn Salim of the cunning and unpredictability of Africans.
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Malin Term Timeline in A Bend in the River

The timeline below shows where the term Malin appears in A Bend in the River. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3
Racism and Diasporic Identity Theme Icon
The City vs. the Bush Theme Icon
...that Salim is doing just that. Shoba and Mahesh warn Ferdinand that Metty is becoming malin like Ferdinand, a trait they see as universal to Africans. (full context)