Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most beloved authors, has a unique gift for capturing the beauty and mystique of the Himalayan mountains. For him, the Himalayas are more than just a setting; they are a source of inspiration and a character in their own right, influencing the lives and stories of the people who inhabit their slopes. We’ve rounded up all the must-read books of Bond that’ll transport you to the serene surroundings of hills and nature.
The Room on the Roof
‘The Room on the Roof’, Ruskin Bond’s first novel, was written when he was just seventeen. It follows the journey of Rusty, a young Anglo-Indian boy whose life changes dramatically when he runs away from home and finds a room on the roof of a bazaar house. The gentle pace of life, the colourful bazaar, and the warm, hospitable people make the mountains a character in their own right in this heartwarming tale.
Rain in the Mountains: Notes from the Himalayas
‘Rain in the Mountains: Notes from the Himalayas’ is a collection of essays and stories that reflect Bond’s deep love for the Himalayan region where he has spent most of his life. This book is a treasure trove of reflections on the natural world, where Bond transports readers to a world where the rhythms of nature dictate the pace of life.
The Blue Umbrella
‘The Blue Umbrella’ is a charming novella set in a small village in the hills. It tells the story of Binya, a young girl who trades her leopard claw necklace for a beautiful blue umbrella. While the story is simple, Bond’s portrayal of the village and its surroundings is rich and vivid. The hills, the forest, and the village life are depicted with such affection and detail that readers can easily imagine themselves in Binya’s world.
Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra
This collection of stories is a nostalgic tribute to Bond’s early years in Dehradun. ‘Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra’ is Bond’s mosaic of memories, capturing the essence of a bygone era in the hills. Bond’s descriptions of the trees, the birds, and the hills are so detailed and affectionate that readers can almost feel the mountain breeze and hear the rustle of leaves.
The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories
This collection of short stories features some of Bond’s best-known works. The stories are set in various hill stations and small towns in the Himalayan foothills, each capturing a different aspect of life in the mountains. Bond’s ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and emotions of the mountains makes this collection a must-read for anyone who loves the hills.
Ruskin Bond’s writing invites readers to slow down, appreciate the simple pleasures of life in the hills, and find peace in the rhythms of nature. His love for the mountains is infectious, and through his stories, he allows readers to experience the magic of the Himalayas, falling in love with them more and more with each turn of the page.