the best of ruskin bond book review

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[Review] Finished reading The Best of Ruskin Bond

Just finished reading it. It consists of short stories by Bond, and a short novel called 'Delhi Is Not Far'.

I do like Bond, especially because the language is so simple and it has so much description of nature. The problem was that a few of the stories were pretty boring. The short novel was also not good. The plot of Kamla was weird and sometimes objectionable - she was a pr0stitute who tied her clients (the protagonist and Suraj) rakhis and then has intercourse with both of them in the same room. On top of this, it seemed to me throughout that novel that the protagonist had a weird half-sexual love towards Suraj - it wasn't really g@y but it also was g@y.

It also seems that at least in two occasions, Bond seems to glorify adultery of unsatisfied women which I found objectionable.

Apart from all this, I liked the stories of Bond. It brings you close to nature and he often invokes the culture around the time of independence, which makes it interesting.

Overall, 3/5

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12 Best Books of Ruskin Bond That You Should Definitely Read

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One of India’s most loved writers, Ruskin Bond started his writing career at the young age of 17. And now, seven decades and several books later, he is still a best-selling novelist. What is it about him that makes him so popular among avid readers and the masses alike? It is a strong sense of familiarity that he fills his stories with that the readers find so relatable. Plus, his books even though filled with good literature, are never pricy. How often do we find that, right? Winner of several prizes and accolades, let’s have a look at some of the best books of Ruskin Bond that you should read if you haven’t already.

Also read: 10 Best Indian Writers and Authors of the 21st Century

1. The Blue Umbrella

This is one of the most amusing novellas that you’ll ever come across. A village girl named Binya exchanges her precious leopard pendant for a pretty blue umbrella. Soon the umbrella becomes an object of envy for the entire village.

2. The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories

Bond proves that he is a master storyteller in this beautiful collection of short stories. Set in the Himalayan foothills, this book is a hit of nostalgia and a huge celebration of the value system of the country at large. Each story is so much different and unique from the other that the reader’s excitement will always be at its peak.

3. Rain in the Mountains: Notes from the Himalayas

This book is a little different from the others. It is a collection of essays, journal entries, and poems, all echoing the life of the author growing up in the midst of the Himalayan mountains. The book has a strong semi-autobiographical tone and serves as a comfort read.

4. Love Among the Bookshelves

Let this wonderful writer tell you about the wonderful books that shaped him into the wordsmith that he is. This book is a bibliophile’s saga and a gift to the world.

5. The Hidden Pool

This novel is claimed as Ruskin Bond’s first novel for children. Three friends set out on an enchanting and adventurous trek towards the Pindari Glacier. This novel will give you the vibes of a Mark Twain novel but with the special touch of Ruskin Bond.

6. Falling In Love Again

This delightful anthology of short stories will surely make you fall in love. With each story, you’ll feel like Bond is taking a chapter out of your life and presenting it on paper. This book is that relatable. These stories will simply melt your heart.

7. The Cherry Tree

Who knew that a simple Cherry Tree can be such a powerful symbol of hope and survival! This heart-touching tale of innocence and struggle is one of the best works of  Ruskin Bond.

8. A Book of Simple Living

One of the most refined works of Ruskin Bond, this book is a hidden treasure of inspiration. One can feel the wisdom of the writer soaking into the reader’s skin through the pages. That’s the brilliance of this writer.

9. Delhi is Not Far

This book is a gem. It presents a wonderful picture of a small town in India named Pipalnagar, the residents of which share the common dream of living in a big city. This shared dream is the driving force of the novel as the reader joins in with the characters in inexplicable melancholia.

10. A Face in the Dark

This is another amazing collection of short stories and this time the genre is horror! Yes, Ruskin Bond also writes horror fiction and he is damn good at it. The title story will give you chills. Take my word for it.

11. Susanna’s Seven Husbands

One of the most interesting thriller novellas by an Indian author, Susanna’s Seven Husbands is one hell of a read. It’s extremely dark and at the same time induces a kind of sympathy in the hearts of the readers for the protagonist. And while you’re on it, do check out its wonderful adaptation starring Priyanka Chopra. You can thank me later.

12. The Room on the Roof 

His first ever novel, this masterpiece got him the prestigious John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957. It is the story of a young adult named Rusty and his coming of age. This is one of the finest books written by Ruskin Bond.

So, these were some of the best books of Ruskin Bond. Are you a Ruskin Bond fan? Do let us know why you love the writer in the comments section. Happy reading!

I like writing poetry, love reading books, appreciate good stuff on the screen, and simply adore being on stage. Basically, I'm a shadow intoxicated by dreams, darkness, and other indulgences.

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15 Ruskin Bond Best Books You Must Read [Top Best List]

Are you finding the best Ruskin Bond Best Books ? Then awesome you are at the correct place.

We are sure, You will love the famous stories of the Ruskin Bond best books.

He was an Indian author born on 19th May 1934. Ruskin Bond was awarded the Padma Shri Award in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan Award in 2014, He was also awarded the Sahitya Academy Award in 1992.

He has written over 500 short stories, essays, novellas, and more than 40 books for children. The Ruskin Bond best books and several stories have also been adapted into TV series and films like- The Rusty Stories into Ek Tha Rusty a show telecast on Doordarshan .

In 2005, the Bollywood director Vishal Bhardwaj made a film based on his popular novel for children, The Blue Umbrella . The movie also won the Best Children’s Film National Award . Several stories have been incorporated into the school curriculum in India like Time Stops at Shamli, The Night Train at Deoli, and Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra.

Page Contents

List of Ruskin Bond Best Books

So this is the list of the 15 best of Ruskin Bond for you

1. The Room on the Roof

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The Room on the Roof This is the 1st book of Ruskin Bond Stories, the first novel of Ruskin Bond at the age of 17 and he features his most popular character, Rusty in this book.

Rusty is a Sixteen-year-old Anglo Indian boy, living with her English guardian and he doesn’t like him because they are too strict, so he runs away to live freely with her Indian friends.

The moving story of the love and friendship of Rusty, with a new introduction and illustration, will be enjoyed by a new generation of readers.

At the age of 17, Ruskin Bond wrote this book so stop being judgemental of him and enjoy the book at the beginning of your journey into the Ruskin Bond world.

2. A Book of Simple Living

A Book of Simple Living once you read the book, your views towards life will absolutely change for sure.

Through this book Bond taught us to give importance to small things in life, those things will bring a smile to your face and happiness too.

It is a collection of beautiful thoughts  read this book to spend an awesome time with your imagination, His words bring colours to our imagination.

3. The Blue Umbrella 

The Blue Umbrella is a story that mainly revolves around a little girl named Biniya and a shopkeeper named Ram Bharosa.

Biniya has a beautiful umbrella that was gifted to her by some foreigners and now Ram Bharosa is jealous of him because Biniya was getting popular with the blue umbrella.

So Ram Bharosa has a plan to acquire that umbrella from him.

This is a beautiful children’s story, Ruskin bond is always talked about by the people when they are talking about children’s literature in India.

This book of Bonds was also adapted into a movie in 2005, the whole film was based on the novel The Blue Umbrella.

4. A flight of Pigeons

A Flight of Pigeons Book story was a set of Shahjahanpur during the revolt of 1857. The story starts with a little girl Ruth Labadoor whose father is killed in front of her eyes in a church.

This murder was committed by the Indian rebels in 1857, they decided to kill all the Britishers of the small town of Shahjahanpur.

So the family of Ruther goes to their trusted friend Lala Ramjimal who keeps them at his home and gives them maximum security and shelter to live.

At last, With lots of help, struggle, and support, the whole Labadoor family finally reaches their relatives. This book is based on true events , This is one of the best Ruskin Bond stories.

A Flight of Pigeons is a story of a haunting, rich in drama and details told with simplicity and deep humanity. This Book is also converted into a movie called Junoon .

5. The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories

This book of Ruskin Bond is a collection of 30 short stories , All the stories are totally different from each other, and not all of the stories are interconnected.

Especially I like the title story The Night Train at Deoli this is beautifully written and also a very famous story by Ruskin Bond.

The Ruskin bond stories take you to the beauty of the hills, village, small-town, and to the gentle people who live in them.

All the stories are filled with love, loss, accomplishment, pain, and struggles. Through their amazing short stories, this book also takes place in the Ruskin Bond best books. You can get this book for their 30 stories.

6.  Delhi Is Not Far

Delhi is not far It’s the story of a struggling writer, and the people around him in a small town called Pipalnagar, This book features a bunch of characters from Pipalnagar.

Characters like- There is Pitamber who wants to pull a cycle rickshaw in Delhi, there is Aziz who feels he will be happy working in a jug shop of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. These small characters take this story to the next level.

In this story, there is a narrator named Arun who is looking for inspiration for writing a massive amazing detective fiction.

In the book “Delhi is not far” Bond captures small-town life with their dreams and aspirations.

This is really an amazing story of Bond you can get into thinking after reading the whole book, about how Bond had thought of this story.

7. Rusty The Boy from the Hills

The Boy from the Hills is another novel featuring Rusty, almost 8 books featuring Rusty.

In this story, Rusty lives with her grandparents in Dehradun and he keeps running behind into quite interesting and dangerous pieces of stuff.

The books of Ruskin Bond are simply written and enjoyable by the readers, This story does not have complex, dark, or mystery that many readers enjoy, but if you want to know about the true soul of rural areas then you will definitely want to pick this book.

8. Angry River 

Angry River This is the story of a girl named Sita who lived on a small Island with her grandparents, set in the middle of the big river, yet large enough for Sita and her grandparents to live there.

The author describes everything in great detail which makes the story quite interesting.

It is basically a story about a flood on an island in which Sita is alone and scared, Sita follows her Grandfather’s instructions to stay alive, But the river is angry.

Is it really the god himself who has come to save her? What happens to her family? Will she return to her island again? Will she meet the rescuer? Read this book to find out.

9. Our Trees Still Grow In Dehra

Our Trees Still Grow In Dehra This is in the 8th  place of Ruskin Bond best books, the book has 14 Ruskin Bond stories(short stories), which are semi-autobiographical in nature and all are set in Dehradun .

Through these Ruskin bond stories, we meet her family, friends, and a lot of people who left her impression on him, Each story in the book traces her life from childhood to adulthood.

He also mentioned the journey from Mumbai , to Delhi , and then finally back to the Himalayas .

10. Tales And Legends From India 

Tales and Legends from India  This is also a collection of short stories divided into three sections each section having a bunch of Ruskin Bond stories. 

This book features mythical tales like tales from the Mahabharata , Panchtantra , etc which are popular in different regions of India.

The book consists of beautifully made illustrations of characters and scenes making it very interesting.

11. Susanna’s Seven Husbands

Susanna’s Seven Husbands is a short story, the book has different themes like horror, crime, mystery, and romance.

The book of Ruskin Bond was also adapted into a movie called “7 Khoon Maaf “.

This is basically a story of Susanna and their seven husbands, this book will not only thrill the readers at every turn but also hold them by their dark drama page after page.

12. Roads To Mussoorie

Roads To Mussoorie Ruskin bond story in this he describes his many journeys from Mussoorie to Delhi, Saharanpur, Haridwar, and many other amazing places.

In this book, he describes her day-to-day life in a very interesting manner. In total 12 chapters, all dealing with different experiences of the author like his treks, traveling, party time, etc. It’s a good book for relaxation and for light reading .

“He says that we don’t need a big reason to be happy, we can be happy about the beautiful gift given by gods like nature and beautiful things .”

13. Rain in the Mountains: Notes from the Himalayas

Rain in the Mountains is a wonderful read, if you are reading this book you really feel as if you are a part of the mountains.

Bond’s writing is so interesting , it’s as though you are conversing with a friend, he describes all her most beautiful works in this book from his years spent at the foothills of the Himalayas in the town of Mussoorie.

This is a must-read Ruskin Bond best book for those who have an interest or love in nature.

14. The Ruskin Bond Children’s Omnibus

The Ruskin Bond Children’s Omnibus This book includes the ever-popular favourite of two generations of children, over twenty-five years ago written Grandfather’s Private Zoo,

The Book also includes Angry River, the Blue Umbrella, Ghost Trouble, The Road to the Bazaar, Cricket for the Crocodile’ and Dust on the Mountain which shows small-town life in Northern India.

When you read this Ruskin Bond story you feel as though you are taking a small trip along with the characters.

This Bond’s stories are simple and sweet and bring your mind to the nostalgic days spent in villages as children, playing together, running barefoot, and stealing fruit. His stories can be enjoyed by both children as well as adults .

15. A Face in the Dark and Other Hauntings: Collected Stories of the Supernatural

A Face in the Dark and Other Hauntings This collection of Ruskin Bond Best Book stories brings all of Ruskin Bond’s tales of the paranormal written over five decades.

This collection brings together all of his tales, opening with, ‘A Face in the Dark’ and ending with the shockingly horrid, ‘Night of the Millennium’ .

The Bond supernatural tales based on the locations of the Himalayan hill station are to be a great reading and a different thrilling experience.

No book by Ruskin Bond can be exactly in the first and last place, all the books are quite interesting in themselves.

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2 thoughts on “15 ruskin bond best books you must read [top best list]”.

Wooow!! It’s an exhaustive list. On Mr. Ruskin Bond’s this year birthday, the KolkataFusion team has published a post compiling some of his best works for particularly for school-going children. We’ll be more than happy if you can read and share your opinion on the same.

Thank you for your feedback, I read your article it’s a really good list for school-going children.

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The Best of Ruskin Bond Paperback – 15 March 2016

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Are you a fan of Ruskin Bond? Have you been trying to compile his best works and read them along? If yes, then this book, 'The Best of Ruskin Bond' is the perfect solution for you. These exemplary stories from the legendary author are here for the taking, all compiled in a single book and provided with some of the best excerpts ever written. This consolidated volume brings together selected prose and poetries that have been written by the award winning author, Ruskin Bond. During his entire career, he has captivated readers across the world with his writing talent.

Over four decades of writing, this book consists of some of his best work to date. Backed by an endearing collection of essays, beautiful excerpts from different stories, serene poems and short stories, this book finds a way to create a unique literary landscape. And what could be a better to spend your leisure time by?

Grab hold of this consolidated anthology which has selections from all of Ruskin’s major books and includes his classic novel, ‘Delhi is not fair’. With many more beautiful stories to read from, this book is a one stop solution for all Ruskin Bond fans. Readers in general will get drawn towards his simple writing style which is articulate in nature and focuses on the significant details.

Ruskin Bond, who started his exemplary career with ‘The Room on the Roof’ at the age of 17, won the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in the year 1957. With over 500 short stories to his name and articles that have appeared in a number of magazines and anthologies, he is regarded as one of the literary stalwarts of the 20th century. He was awarded with the Sahitya Academy Award in 1993 and the Padma Shri in 1999.

The book is available online for convenient shopping. You can bag this book from Amazon.in today by following a few easy steps.

• Print length 448 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Penguin
• Publication date 15 March 2016
• Dimensions 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.68 cm
• ISBN-10 0140246061
• ISBN-13 978-0140246063
• See all details

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From the Publisher

Product description

About the author.

Ruskin Bond's first novel, The Room on the Roof, written when he was seventeen, won the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novels (including Vagrants in the Valley, A Flight of Pigeons and Delhi Is Not Far), essays, poems and children's books, many of which have been published by Penguin India.

He has also written over 500 short stories and articles that have appeared in a number of magazines and anthologies.

He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993 and the Padma Shri in 1999.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin (15 March 2016)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0140246061
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0140246063
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 310 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.68 cm
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ India
• Generic Name ‏ : ‎ Book
• #565 in Anthologies (Books)
• #909 in Indian Writing (Books)
• #2,776 in Biographies, Diaries & True Accounts

About the author

Ruskin bond.

Ruskin Bond is the author of several bestselling novels and collections of short stories, essays and poems. These include The Room on the Roof (winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize), A Flight of Pigeons, The Night Train at Deoli, Time Stops at Shamli, Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra (winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award), Angry River, The Blue Umbrella, Rain in the Mountains, Roads to Mussoorie, A Little Night Music, Tigers for Dinner, Tales of Fosterganj, and A Gathering of Friends.

Ruskin Bond was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1999, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Delhi government in 2012 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.

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Customers find the writing quality wonderful in simple and precise style. They also describe the book collection as great. Readers also mention the atmosphere as good and interesting.

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Customers find the stories in the book interesting, enchanting, and engaging. They also describe the book as a treasure full of little gems.

" Every story is intersting , humorous to read and enjoy. Must read by people of all ages." Read more

"...pages... stories are also good and interesting ... ☺️☺️☺️" Read more

"...Soothing and refreshing.The book is a treasure full of little gems .Good quality, timely delivered." Read more

"I purchased to gift my grandson's. Very interesting ." Read more

Customers find the writing quality wonderful, lucid, and effortless to read. They also appreciate the collection of short stories, poems, and stuff.

"...The prose is as pure, simple and clear as a mountain spring. Soothing and refreshing...." Read more

"It's a great book with a tinge of himalayan soil. writer's lucid style and clarity of thoughts often mesmerises me.lt drifts me in a state of..." Read more

"... Very well written and keeps you turning the pages on and on." Read more

"Ruskin Bond is one of my favorite authors and the reason is his simple and lucid style...." Read more

Customers find the book collection great.

"Everything is good. It is a compiled edition of some best creation of Ruskin Bond." Read more

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Customers find the atmosphere of the book beautiful, soothing, and refreshing.

"...The prose is as pure, simple and clear as a mountain spring. Soothing and refreshing ...." Read more

"Good book enjoyed reading it. Such beautiful emotions " Read more

"...warmth in the cold north hilly areas and beautiful simplicity of emotion and innocence . The books was received in excellent condition." Read more

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12 Best Books by Ruskin Bond

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Ruskin Bond, often hailed as the Bard of the Hills, is a household name in India. Growing up, Ruskin Bond’s books have not only helped us go on lovely adventures, but has also taught us to love nature and see the beauty of our country through his eyes.

Born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Ruskin Bond’s early years were marked by wanderlust and a deep affinity for the natural world. Growing up in the shadow of the mountains, he found solace in the pages of books. Despite the challenges of his childhood—marked by the absence of his parents and the uncertainties of life in post-colonial India—Ruskin Bond found a sanctuary in books.

At the age of seventeen, Bond left his home in India to pursue his dreams of becoming a writer in London. It was there, amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, that he honed his craft, and penned his debut novel, ‘The Room on the Roof’ -which would go on to win the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, making him one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious award. The room on the Roof, till date, remains one of his most popular books.

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{Check out our picks for 12 Best Books by Sudha Murthy }

Ruskin Bond has gifted us numerous gems that capture the essence of life in all its shades. His stories are often set against the backdrop of the idyllic towns and villages of North India and have a a timeless charm. Whether chronicling the adventures of Rusty, his beloved literary alter ego, or weaving enchanting tales of love and loss, Bond’s writing style has a charm that speaks to the heart of a reader. But perhaps it is in his deep reverence for nature that Ruskin Bond’s writing finds its truest expression. The hills and valleys of the Himalayas serve not merely as a backdrop for his stories, but as characters in their own right.

From coming-of-age classics to enchanting novellas, poignant essays to lyrical tributes to nature, each of the following 12 books featured in this blog post offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of one of India’s most beloved writers.

Here are our picks for 12 Best Books by Ruskin Bond:

1. The Room on the Roof

This timeless classic follows the journey of Rusty, a sixteen-year-old Anglo-Indian boy, who finds friendship, love, and a sense of belonging in the quaint town of Dehradun.

It is  coming-of-age tale that radiates youthful exuberance and poignant introspection. Bond’s vivid portrayal of Rusty’s adventures makes this novel a delightful read for anyone yearning for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Often found in the children’s section of a bookstore, this book is actually loved by people of all ages.

Quote: I don’t want to rot like mangoes at the end of the season, or burnout like the sun at the and of the day. I cannot live like the gardener, the cook and water-carrier, doing the same task everyday of my life… I want to be either somebody or nobody.

2. Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra

A collection of short stories that celebrate the many facets of life in the Himalayan town of Dehra, capturing its beauty, quirks, and timeless charm. With his keen eye for detail and great understanding of human nature, Ruskin Bond paints a picture of life in Dehra that is easy to imagine and relate to. Each story is a hat-tip to the simple joys and keen truths that define our existence. Ruskin Bond won the ‘Sahitya Academy Award’ for this book in 1992.

Quote: Live long, my friend, be wise and strong, But do not take from any man his song.

3. The Blue Umbrella

Set in a picturesque village in the Himalayas, this novella tells us the story of Binya, our protagonist, and her prized possession—a beautiful blue umbrella, that becomes the envy of everyone around her.

This book is a poignant story that beautifully captures the innocence of childhood and the transformative power of kindness. Through Binya’s journey, Ruskin Bond reminds us of the extraordinary magic that resides in the ordinary. Another timeless tale that brings a smile no matter how many times we read it.

Quote: The blue umbrella taught me to dance in the rain, celebrating life’s challenges rather than hiding from them.

{In mood for something literary? Check out our list of 5 Best Books by Amitava Ghosh .}

4. Delhi Is Not Far

This book follows the lives of a motley group of characters residing in a small town near Delhi, offering a poignant exploration of dreams, aspirations, and the bittersweet realities of life.

In “Delhi Is Not Far,” Ruskin Bond explores the various shades of human emotions, blending humor and wisdom with consummate ease. With its vividly drawn characters and evocative prose, this novel offers a glimpse into the human condition, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand their own life and the people around them.

Quote: Yesterday, I was sad, tomorrow I may be sad again, but today I know that I am happy.

5. The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories

This book is an interesting collection of short stories that transport readers to the idyllic landscapes of Deoli, where love, longing, and nostalgia intertwine to create moments of exquisite beauty.

With his trademark blend of simplistic yet intense style of storytelling, Ruskin Bond casts a spellbinding spell in “The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories.” Each tale is a masterpiece that tugs at the heartstrings, leaving an impression on the readers. Yet another book from the master that will remind you to pay attention because there is beauty in everyday mundane things.

Quote: Some memories are like bullets that silently change you as you reload.

6. A Flight of Pigeons

Set against the backdrop of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, this novella follows the journey of Ruth Labadoor and her family as they navigate the dangerous times with courage and resilience.

A Flight of Pigeons” is a gripping historical story that brings to life the chaos and upheaval of the Indian Mutiny. Ruskin Bond’s masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this novella a compelling read that transports readers to a bygone era. With its blend of history, drama, and human emotion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in India’s colonial past.

7. Time Stops at Shamli and Other Stories

This is indeed a mesmerizing collection of tales that explore the timeless themes of love, loss, and longing, set against the backdrop of the enchanting town of Shamli.

In “Time Stops at Shamli and Other Stories,” Ruskin Bond invites readers on a journey through the corridors of time, where past and present converge to create moments of poignant beauty. Each story transports readers to a world where time stands still, allowing us to savor the fleeting moments of life with bittersweet nostalgia.

Quote: The skin cannot change the eyes; the eyes are the true reflection of a man’s age and sensibilities; even a blind man has hidden eyes

{Do not forget to check out our list of 10 Best Books by Anita Desai .}

8. The Sensualist

A poignant novel that follows the life of Suraj, a sensitive young man who grapples with the complexities of love, desire, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the picturesque Himalayan town of Garhwal.

“The Sensualist” is probably the only book by Ruskin Bond that will never be seen in the children’s section of a bookstore or a library. Ruskin Bond’s evocative prose and keen insight into the human psyche make this novel a compelling read. It is a book that will stay in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned as it deals with the nature of love and longing.

9. A Town Called Dehra

A charming collection of essays and reminiscences that offer a glimpse into Ruskin Bond’s life and experiences in the picturesque town of Dehra.

“A Town Called Dehra” is a delightful journey through the alleys and bylanes of Ruskin Bond’s beloved hometown. With his trademark wit and warmth, Bond regales readers with tales of childhood mischief, literary inspirations , and the enduring beauty of Dehra’s landscapes. Each essay is a heartfelt tribute to the people, places, and moments that have shaped Bond’s life and literary imagination.

Quote: The past is always with us, for it feeds the present.

10. The India I Love

This book is the author’s tribute to the diverse landscapes, cultures, and traditions of India, capturing the essence of the country’s beauty and enduring spirit.

“The India I Love” is a heartfelt ode to the land of Ruskin Bond’s birth, a land that has inspired countless stories and stirred the hearts of millions. The author paints a vivid portrait of India’s many different charms – from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched shores of the southern coast – the way only he can. 

{Here’s our list of Top 10 Indian books for kids around the world .}

11. A Gathering of Friends

This is a delightful anthology of stories that celebrate the bonds of friendship and the joys of companionship, showcasing the myriad ways in which human connections enrich our lives.

“A Gathering of Friends” is a heartwarming collection that celebrates the enduring power of friendship to heal, inspire, and uplift. From childhood adventures to heartfelt reunions, Ruskin Bond explores human relationships with warmth, humor, and empathy. Each story is a proof of the transformative power of friendship, reminding us that the truest riches in life are not measured in wealth or possessions, but in the love and laughter we share with those closest to us. Quotes: It isn’t time that’s passing by, my friend. It is you and I.

12. Ruskin Bond’s Book of Nature

A lyrical exploration of the natural world, as seen through the eyes of Ruskin Bond, capturing the beauty, wonder, and majesty of the flora and fauna that surround us. Through vivid descriptions and insightful observations, Bond invites readers to explore and discover the hidden treasures that lie waiting to be unearthed in our own backyard. This book is his way of reminding us of the importance of preserving and protecting the planet we call home, and a celebration of the extraordinary beauty and diversity of life on Earth.

{Check out our list of 12 Best Books on Writing .}

As we bid adieu to this literary journey, we carry with us the timeless wisdom of Ruskin Bond’s words—the gentle reminder to cherish the beauty of the natural world, to embrace the bonds of friendship and love, and to find solace in the simple pleasures of life. For in the pages of his books, we discover not only stories but echoes of our own hopes and dreams, fears and triumphs—a reflection of the human experience in all its complexity and wonder. He definitely deserves the ‘Padma Shri’ and the ‘Parma Bhushan’ awards that the Government of India has bestowed upon him because he has influenced generations of readers through his words. If you have a favourite Ruskin Bond book that we haven’t listed in the article, please mention it in the comments section.

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The Best Of Ruskin Bond (The Ultimate Collection of Ruskin Bond’s Best Stories Poems and Essays including Delhi Is Not Far)

Ruskin bond, select preferred format, buying options, paperback / hardback.

The weekends of Ruskin Bond fans just became even more exciting: Are you a fan of Ruskin Bond? Have you been trying to compile his best works and read them along? If yes, then The Best of Ruskin Bond is the perfect solution for you. These exemplary stories from the legendary author are here for the taking, all compiled in a single book and provided with some of the best excerpts ever written. This consolidated volume brings together selected prose and poetries that have been written by the award winning author, Ruskin Bond. During his entire career, he has captivated readers across the world with his writing talent.

Experience the best of four decades of Ruskin Bond’s career in one book: Over four decades of writing, this book consists of some of his best work to date. Backed by an endearing collection of essays, beautiful excerpts from different stories, serene poems and short stories, this book finds a way to create a unique literary landscape. And what could be a better to spend your leisure time by?

This anthology is here to stay: Grab hold of this consolidated anthology which has selections from all of Ruskin’s major books and includes his classic novel Delhi Is Not Far . With many more beautiful stories to read from, this book is a one stop solution for all Ruskin Bond fans. Readers in general will get drawn towards his simple writing style which is articulate in nature and focuses on the significant details.

Imprint: India Penguin

Published: Apr/2016

ISBN: 9780140246063

Length : 448 Pages

MRP : ₹499.00

Imprint: Audiobook

ISBN: 9789351184249

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Born in Kasauli in 1934, Ruskin Bond grew up in Jamnagar, Dehradun, New Delhi and Shimla. His first novel, The Room on the Roof , which was written when he was seventeen, received the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written over 500 short stories, essays and novellas and more than fifty books for children. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award for English writing in India in 1992, the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014. He lives in Landour, Mussoorie, with his extended family.

More By The Author

Hold on to your dreams, the big box of little books, best indian stories for children | four iconic and timeless books | must have on every bookshelf, r k narayan, anita desai, ruskin bond, sudha murty (ed.), animals in the house, all-time favourite nature stories, my first ruskin bond collection, penguin 35 collectors edition: the room on the roof, listen to your heart: the london adventure (illustrated, boyhood memoir series from ruskin bond), ‘bond’ with nature: all-time favourite nature stories.

Dive into the enchanting world of Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most beloved authors, as he takes us on a literary journey through his latest book, All-Time Favourite Nature Stories. With tales that touch the heart and soul, Bond reminds us of the importance of connecting with nature and finding comfort in its earthy embrace. […]

19 Best Ruskin Bond Books of All Time

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

• Best Ruskin Bond Books

The Blue Umbrella

Ruskin Bond

Susanna's Seven Husbands

A Face in the Dark and Other Hauntings

Collected stories of the supernatural.

The Room on the Roof

The Night Train At Deoli

And other stories.

The Boy from the Hills

Delhi Is Not Far

Vagrants in the Valley

Time Stops at Shamli

The Hidden Pool

The Cherry Tree

Rain in the Mountains

Notes from the himalayas.

Love Among the Bookshelves

Lone Fox Dancing

My autobiography.

Falling in Love Again

Stories of love and romance.

Angry River

A Flight of Pigeons

A Book of Simple Living

Brief notes from the hills.

• 15 Books by Ruskin Bond - A Must Read Indian Author (Book List) — Bookish Santa www.bookishsanta.com
• 7 Ruskin Bond books you need to read - iSchoolConnect ischoolconnect.com
• 9 Books By Ruskin Bond That Are Perfect For Adults | TCR www.thecuriousreader.in
• 12 Best Books of Ruskin Bond That You Should Definitely Read www.scrolldroll.com
• 20 Books by Ruskin Bond - A Most Famous Indian Author unlu.io

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The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond | Book Review and Summary

• September 20, 2020
• Children's Literature

The celebrated Indian children’s author Ruskin Bond’s story, The Blue Umbrella , has gained immense popularity since its publication in 1980. It is one of the most-read stories. The narrative revolves around an unassuming young girl whose selflessness and compassion triumph over greed and materialism, making it a tale of extraordinary humanity.

The Blue Umbrella has been included in several of Ruskin Bond’s collections of short stories, including A Gathering of Friends and Children’s Omnibus, among others. Its widespread acclaim led to its adaptation into a Hindi movie bearing the same title in 2005. Furthermore, Amar Chitra Katha publications, a prominent publisher of comic books in India, transformed the story into a graphic novel in 2012 titled The Blue Umbrella – Stories by Ruskin Bond.

Set in the picturesque hills of Garhwal, the fictional narrative explores the fundamental values of selflessness and contentment through the lens of a young girl’s heroic deeds. The Blue Umbrella serves as a poignant reminder to re-examine our priorities. It encourages us to let go of worldly desires for genuine happiness. It is a captivating story that lingers in our minds long after reading, prompting introspection and reflection.

This is the story of a cheerful little girl Binya, who lives with her mother and an elder brother Bijju, in the hills of Garhwal. One day, while herding her cows back home, she comes across some picnickers in the hills. They had a beautiful Blue Umbrella. Binya fell in love with the umbrella at first sight. In exchange for her lucky Leopard claw pendant, she acquires that umbrella.

This umbrella brings unbound happiness in Binya’s life, she carries it everywhere with her, and it becomes the talk of the town. This newfound fame brought with it jealousy and envy from some of the villagers. One old shopkeeper Rambharosa eyed this treasured possession of Binya and decided to own it by any means. He offers to buy the beautiful umbrella, which Binya refuses flatly, making him sad over his position. In the middle of the monsoon, he employs a boy Rajaram from the neighboring town, as a helper in his shop. Rajaram was a shrewd boy. After learning of Rambharosa’s fancy for the umbrella, he strikes a deal with him of getting him the umbrella to prove his worth. He then steals Binya’s blue umbrella and blames it on him (Rambharosa) to save his own skin after being caught by Bijju after a great fight. Everybody in the village believes him without any second thought, as they are all well aware of Rambharosa’s obsession with that umbrella. This brought an ill name to Rambharosa, and the villagers stopped buying from his shop. Seeing the poor shopkeeper’s plight, Binya empathized and decided to gift the umbrella to him. The little girl put Rambharosa’s happiness above her own and was ready to part with her most loved possession. In return, Rambharosa also showed kindness by first trying to return the umbrella and then gifting Binya the lucky bear claw pendant, hence proving that kindness will always attract kindness. Rambharosa told everyone that Binya had gifted him this umbrella. Villagers started to buy from his shop again.

But had she loved the umbrella too much? Had it mattered more to her than people matter?

Themes and Motifs

The Blue Umbrella explores the themes of kindness and forgiveness in a world full of selfishness and envy. The little hero of the story, Binya, embodies these virtues as she expresses her compassion towards the person who tried to snatch her priciest possession. Displaying a magnanimous gesture, she forgives the old shopkeeper and gifts him the umbrella without any hesitation. The story also touches upon the perils of jealousy and envy, which can lead people to do hurtful things. The change of heart in Rambharose towards the end is a potent reminder that small acts of kindness can leave a significant impact on people.

The motif of the story is the beautiful Blue Umbrella that symbolizes beauty, richness, and something unattainable due to its exclusiveness. Binya’s possession of the umbrella sets her apart from the other village people making her a target of envy and jealousy. This Blue Umbrella kept occurring time and time again in the story, from making Binya the talk of the town to making her realize the true meaning of happiness in the end.

What is the moral of the story The Blue Umbrella

The story teaches us the ultimate lessons of humility, kindness and humanity. As the story progresses, this seemingly children’s story turns into a mature tale with the deep message. The little girl’s kindness and humility made her a bigger and happier person, and turns a shrewd Rambharosa into a friendly and pleasant person. It also shows the dangers of materialism and how selfishness can damage one’s reputation leading to loneliness. The story’s moral can be summed up in one expression by Binya in the story, “But an umbrella isn’t everything”.

But an umbrella isn't everything.

Literary Significance

The Blue Umbrella is a beautifully written story that showcases Ruskin Bond’s mastery of the craft. Bond’s prose is simple yet evocative, painting a vivid picture of life in the Himalayas. The story is also notable for its use of symbolism and imagery, particularly the blue umbrella motif.

Happiness is living your childhood… and every time I read this book, it takes me back to my childhood when I lived in Nainital, Uttarakhand. I, along with my friends used to climb on the Pine-clad hills every Sunday. Oh my, what days!

I just love Ruskin Bond because he connects me instantly with the best days of my life as most of his stories are set up on those serene hilly areas, and The Blue Umbrella is one such story. I am sure this beautiful novella will definitely touch a chord not only with the young readers but also with all those adults who still have child inside them.

I liked everything about this book! I liked the simple yet engaging story. I liked the setting of the story; the lucid writing style of Ruskin Bond ; the characterization of Binya; the way the story progresses and portrays various emotions like innocence, love, possessiveness, jealousy, empathy and kindness.

I like author’s style of giving a message through a simple tale. I liked The Blue Umbrella .

The Blue Umbrella has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, becoming a beloved classic. Its themes, motif and symbols are timeless and resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The story teaches us valuable lessons about compassion and kindness and serves as a reminder that we should not define people by their material possessions but by their actions and attitudes towards others.

Character Sketch of Binya in the novel - The Blue Umbrella book

Binya is the most important character in the novel The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond. Binya is a lovely hilly girl who lives in a tiny family in the hilly areas of Garhwal. Her father passed away when she was just two years old. To provide food for their family, they have three tiny terraced fields on which they cultivate onions, potatoes, ginger, beans, maize, and mustard. They don’t offer the produce in the marketplace, but they do keep the produce for themselves. They also have two cows named Neelu and Gori, from which they get additional milk to give to the public. The primary goal of their lives is self-sufficiency, not money-making. Binya’s brother Bijju is a student. She doesn’t go to any school but takes care of two cows. Binya loves adventuring in the mountains and valleys. She isn’t afraid of darkness, woods, or climbing trees. She cherishes opportunity, too. Subsequently, at whatever point cows go out with her, she never shouts at them nor controls them to a great extent. She seems to be lost in her own thoughts. One day when she goes over certain picnickers from the city, she understands that city people have distinctive ways of life and satisfaction. They are rich and have great things, similar to a blue umbrella. It is pitiful to note that city people viewed her as a helpless young lady since she wore torn garments. She looks at them in a good way; it implies she doesn’t care about being with individuals. Frequently hilly people don’t favor blending into the group. Additionally, she feels anxious when she is at the marketplace. Binya isn’t eager to sell her tiger claw pendant, even when city people offer her five rupees for it. City folk may not understand the value of this natural item, but to Binya it’s priceless. Instead, she decided to have that blue umbrella for that tiger claw pendant. Binya is not just a compassionate person, she is also very caring and helpful. She is always willing to go out of her way to help others, and she is always quick to lend a hand. She allows the town’s children to hold her umbrella for a brief time. One breezy evening when her umbrella gets snatched up by the breeze into a ravine, she cautiously, with a decent good judgment, follows it and gets it out from the cherry tree. She wasn’t anxious about anything. Her relationship with Ram Bharosa, the shopkeeper and tea shop owner, turns sour when he unfairly attempts to contain her blue umbrella. After that episode, Ram Bharosa’s shop business decays, and Binya feels liable for his misfortune. She reproaches herself for displaying the umbrella over the cutoff, she gifts the blue umbrella to him so that people start revisiting  his shop. Regarding her looks, Binya is reasonable, bold, fair, and durable, with dark hair and eyes. She sports a little braid. However, Binya is an ordinary girl, like most youngsters her age, yet her ethics like empathy, charity, and strength make her stand apart from the group.

Character Sketch of Ram Bharosa in the novel - The Blue Umbrella book

Ram Bharosa is a moderately old businessperson who owns a tea shop on Tehri road. He also sells sodas, curd, and toffees, mostly food items in his shop. A bus stops at his store each day, and passengers sip tea or consume curd. He is the most lavish man in the town. However, he’s also highly greedy too. He often lets people or students take things for granted by praising them. At the moment of reckoning and then charges them an additional fee, and if they cannot pay, they can take a chunk of their most valuable possessions to use themselves or sell in his store.

However, Binya and her brother Bijju aren’t apathetic to his snarky behavior. They’re very cautious of him. Ram Bharosa is greedy for the blue umbrella. He must have it therefore, he offers a price of twelve rupees Binya but with no result. When he notices Binya walking in front of his shop, he attempts to draw her but with any success. He gets sad over his position. In the middle of the monsoon, he employs one of his children named Rajaram from the town adjacent as a right hand in his shop. Rajaram, shrewd, promises to take the umbrella from him for the cost of 3 Rs. This Ram Bharosa concurs hesitatingly. To counter their arrangement, he reads up the latest news as he steals the umbrella.

The word was spread throughout the town that Ram Bharosa tried to get the umbrella by influencing people with untrustworthy methods. The people stopped coming to his store since, in the hills, trustworthiness is possibly the most rewarded virtue, and he was annoyed by it. The kids teased him by saying, “the trustworthy thief. After witnessing Ram Bharosa’s desperate situation, Binya chooses to help him. So, one day, she gives him an umbrella and some leaves. This aids in improving his appearance in the community. To repay this blessing, Ram Bharosa gets made an ornament from a bear’s claw and presented it to her. This is considered to be more blessed than the panther or the tiger. We eventually discover that Binya’s compassion and kindness help Ram Bharosa recover his independent business of the shops. After that, based on the picture of the child Binya, Ram Bharosa returns to his path of reliability.

Character Sketch of Bijju in the novel - The Blue Umbrella book

Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond is a well-known book focusing on Binya and her elder brother Bijju. The novel revolves around Binya and her adorable blue umbrella, but we also see interesting characters like Bijju and Ram Bharosa. This write-up will look at Bijju as the book’s third main character. Bijju’s real name was Vijay Kumar; however, in the lower regions of the Himalayas, it is customary to refer to people using their nicknames. For Binyadevi, it is Binya, while for Vijay Kumar, it is Bijju.

Bijju is a 12-year-old boy and wears a claw of a leopard on his neck, just like his younger sister Binya aged ten years. age. But we can find excellent harmony and love between sister siblings, but they differ in their attitudes. Binya is kind to cattle Neelu and Gori and Gori, whereas Bijju is quite a hot kid. So, whenever it’s dull, he herds the cows in a hurry to get home. In addition, Binya and Bijju share the same viands. This is evident when Bijju gives his blueberries to Binya. Additionally, they often go to the shop of Ram Bharosa for food items or to buy toffees that they can eat.

Another thing about Bijju is that he comes to school each day, which proves he’s a capable and diligent student. As with Binya or other children who are hilly, Bijju also is a courageous child. He’s not afraid of darkness, haze, snakes, or wild animals and is completely intolerant of honey bees. In the past, he had separated one colony of bees and the honey bees on all over his body. Since then, he’s been resistant to the honeybees. Due to their obligation to society, he on the land during monsoons to sow rice. If there is no school in the dry season, he gives milk to a few people in the town.

Binya and Bijju are not legitimate, and Bijju is aware of this fact somewhere. He isn’t doing anything to upset his mother and Binya. He does not shy away from dealing with his mother and younger sister. At the moment that Rajaram is the child Ram Bharosa employs, he takes and attempts to escape with the blue umbrella belonging to Binya, it’s Bijju who pursues him and can retrieve the umbrella. Although the story is centered on Binya and her beautiful blue umbrella, Bijju is a significant person who assists the overall story.

Binya’s Blue Umbrella Questions & Answers

Most frequent questions and answers.

Binya received the blue umbrella when she gifted her charm – a leopard’s claw pendant to Mem-Saheb in exchange for an umbrella.

Ram Bharosa was the trusty shopkeeper in the village. Binya and Bijju would come to him to purchase toffees.

Ram Bharosa was astonished by Binya’s blue umbrella.

Ram Bharosa offers Binya twelve rupees for her umbrella, but she does not accept the proposal.

Everybody on the road looked at Binya and was amazed at her beautiful blue umbrella.

As Binya was resting, a breeze rose gently across the forest, whispering. Then, shortly after, it joined random gusts that swept across the top of the mountain range. The trees shrugged, the wind swayed her cheeks, and the umbrella flew out of the way.

Binya had to be cautious to avoid triggering a landslide because once the stones began to tumble down, the slide would carry more stones and stop at the lowest point.

Binya received the blue umbrella as a reward in exchange for her pendant.

Binya could keep the umbrella open regardless of the circumstances, even though it wasn’t supposed to be. However, when she was at her house, she would keep it to the side of the room with the umbrella not unfolded. Everyone loved the umbrella, and they would always try to get to know Binya so that she could allow them to hold her beautiful umbrella for a time.

Binya performed the most challenging task. Crawling up the tree’s trunk to catch it was the most challenging task. Binya was sitting under the shade of the pine tree, and the umbrella was still in its open and lying on her. While she was sleeping, an erupting wind came up and was followed by other gusts of random wind that swept over the tops of the mountain.

The book beautifully illustrates that there is no need for an object to be content. If we are in love with something, the love fades away at some point. However, the love between people doesn’t fade away so quickly. Binya gives up her umbrella to enjoy the joy that Ram Bharosa got because of it. The result makes him a more comfortable and pleasant person.

It is vital to show the value of kindness throughout our lives. Students will be able to see how selfishness and materialism can be detrimental to society and demonstrate the benefits of friendship and generosity via Binya and Ram Bharosa.

The most challenging task was slogging across the tree trunk, which stood at an angle from the high cliff, to get the umbrella out.

Binya receives a gorgeous blue umbrella from a group of foreigners in exchange for a pendant made of leopard claws. Eventually, Binya willingly gives the umbrella to Ram Bharosa, and he, in turn, presents her with an adorable bear claw pendant.

Binya can’t stand the free sight of her umbrella that is colored with depths of skies. Binya gifts the blue umbrella to Ram Bharosa so people can again begin going to his shop.

Ram Bharosa is a selfish and greedy person in the novel.

Vijay Kumar is the actual name of Bijju. Bijju was his nickname.

Video - The Blue Umbrella English Summary

Video - the blue umbrella hindi summary.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review! Don’t miss your chance to explore the 63 most extraordinary narratives by Ruskin Bond .

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The Shadow on the Wall | Ruskin Bond | Book Review

“There is a Latin proverb – Ars longa, vita brevis… Art is long, life is short.” Ruskin Bond, The Shadow on the Wall

Reading Ruskin Bond is always a source of great pleasure . Over the years, my reading tastes have changed, my love for some authors has reduced, and the craze for some others has gone up, but one constant on my list of favorite authors has always been Mr. Ruskin Bond. I will never outgrow his books, of that, I am one hundred percent sure.

One recent addition to the list of my ‘Ruskin Bond reads’ is The Shadow on the Wall, a collection of 21 short horror stories published recently by Aleph Book Company. Read on to know more about the book and about my experience of reading it.

What to expect?

Expect a comparatively short read (under 200 pages). Expect a collection of short horror stories written in the classic Ruskin Bond style. Expect a collection that serves horror in mild to moderate doses but one that is quite varied in its theme and the choice of supernatural.

Who can read?

The language is simple and easily relatable. A beginner-level reader would find no difficulty in enjoying this one.

What did I like?

A short and sweet introduction kicks off the journey and acquaints you with some rather unknown literary gems who come recommended by the great Ruskin Bond himself. Some of these, I would certainly love to explore. These include  Voodo Tales  by Henry S. Whitehead and J.H. Riddell’s whimsical Irish ghost stories ‘ Night Shivers’ .

Another surprise is the twisty little ending to his classic horror story ‘A Face in the Dark’, which also finds a place in the introduction. Mr. Bond, you never really fail to amaze me.

The writing

For me, the inherent magic in Mr. Bond’s books comes from the things that he writes about. Small hilly towns, simpler times, a frugal but fulfilling life, the India of a lifetime ago, and the many wonders of nature. 

This collection, though comprising of all things supernatural (ghosts, spirits, and things that go bump in the night), doesn’t lose sight of its classic Bond ingredients.

But while this was about the writing in general, in the below paragraphs I talk about the stories that captivated me the most.

The Shadow on the Wall,  a story just like many others, that the author writes with himself as a character. It is a short story that gives some, hides some, and teases some more. Not the least bit spooky but surely full of those classic Bond twists.

The Overcoat  talks of the Englishmen who once lived on the many hill stations that dot the Himalayan landscape . Mansions that spoke of luxury and power, but now reek of stale air and dampness that arise from years of reckless abandonment. But while the people who once thrived in these fancy mansions have surely moved on, their ghosts still linger. The overcoat is the story of one such ghost.

Susanna’s Seven Husbands  is the iconic story whose fame multiplied manifold after the Priyanka Chopra starrer  Saat Khoon Maaf  became a box-office hit. It is yet another intriguing story full of surprises and mystery. Its beauty resides in not what is revealed and said about the murders but in what is left unsaid of them. Needless to state, it is a masterpiece. Bond at his best!

The Skull  is about a creepy and sinister-looking skull that lands up in Mr. Bond’s study by a series of chance events. But as fate would have it, it soon becomes an essential but notorious part of the Bond house. 

Ghost Trouble  is about a mischievous  pret  who lives in the peepul tree right outside the writer’s grandfather’s house. After a tragic disaster, this restless spirit decides to take shelter in their household, soon becoming a source of constant irritation for its members. Ghost Trouble is a wholesome story, which reminds you of the good old childhood days and all the ghost stories you may have heard as a child.

The Doppelganger  deviates from the regular supernatural themes and talks of a rather unheard creature – the doppelganger. The story tries to explore this concept and gives us a sneaky-creepy peek into the world of doppelgangers and the people who get to experience them. More than horror, this story has a rare intrigue factor that enthrals, threatening the reader with the other-worldly possibilities laid bare before them. 

The Whistling Schoolboy  reminds you of the many ghost stories that one hears about the ghostly entities and encounters with them that happen in and around our famous hill stations. 

While  Some Hill Station Ghosts  talks to you about popular paranormal urban legends and ghosts that are known to inhabit hill stations like Lansdowne, Mussoorie, Dehradun, Landour, etc in real life.

The Shadow on the Wall is an eclectic mix of tales of the supernatural, serving horror with variety, spice, and a pinch of salt. Though you cannot call them scary or spooky, there’s no denying the element of intrigue and fascination that these stories serve.

Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of The Shadow on the Wall using the link below.

Other horror story collections that you can check out –

Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills by Minakshi Chaudhry

More Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills by Minakshi Chaudhry

The Disappearance of Tejas Sharma by Manish Mahajan

Graveyard Shift by Manish Mahajan

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Sankalpita singh.

Meet Sankalpita, the bookworm extraordinaire! With an insatiable appetite for reading (over 100 books annually!), she started her blog, bookGeeks, in 2013. Now India's top-tier book blog, it attracts 700,000 monthly readers. She also runs a popular YouTube channel, inspiring a passion for Indian literature in all ages. Her ultimate goal? "To serve a nation through literature." With a passion for Indian literature, she's on a mission to ignite the reading spark in both kids and grown-ups alike.

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Review of Ruskin Bond’s The Golden Years : A book of simple living 

On his birthday, ruskin bond offers another perspective on the meaning of life .

May 19, 2023 12:46 pm | Updated 12:52 pm IST

Ruskin Bond. File.

There is an eternity to Ruskin Bond’s words that they linger much after a book has been closed and the reading glasses are kept aside. In an age torn between social media venom and shallow public-relations exercises, Bond endures with his lovely observations of real people, the humour always droll, and the word-pictures ushering in the mist and rain from his beloved hills. 

This genuine spirit is again at play in the veteran’s latest book  The Golden Years  that is replete with what he has experienced over 89 summers. “Writers don’t retire. They don’t get pensions or provident funds. If they have been making a living from the written word they must continue to do so, or taxes will eat them up,” he pens this early on in the book and the template is set. This is about Bond looking both inwards towards his life and outwards at the larger world that shaped him specifically. 

Also read | Ruskin Bond: transcending time

Losing his father very early in life, Bond still feels his dad’s presence and there is pathos in those references. For many readers marinated in Bond-lore of the Ruskin-type and not the James-ones, some chapters may look a touch repetitive. Yet being the classical writer that Bond is, we are still drawn to his broad-brush style that also finds time for the tiny wild flower on the mountain-side. 

‘Kindness is all’ 

There is philosophy ladled in a simple manner: “It doesn’t really matter how long you live, as long as you’ve given something of yourself to those you love.” The depth in those dainty lines leaves you mulling over several home truths. And as always there are pithy quotes about nature, be it the fireflies or geckos or trees. Even before the slow-life became this fad taken note of by  Time  and other publications, Bond has been practising it without fuss. That spirit comes through in this book. 

When vanity shadows most, Bond would rather laugh at himself. There are self-deprecatory references like how he cannot boil an egg to save his life or his late-night urge to have a snack. His warm gaze is ever-present and he declares: “Life is a mystery. Accept it as such and don’t quarrel with it.” Above all he states: “Kindness is all.” Pick this book and allow Bond to offer you a perspective on what it means to live long. This is like sitting on the floor and listening to your grandparents. There are multiple joys, fleeting sadness and above all contentment.

The Golden Years , Ruskin Bond, Harper Collins India, ₹399.

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Book Review: Ruskin Bond's How to Live Your Life encourages readers to find out what they are good at

As Ruskin Bond turns 88 today, here is a look at his book ‘How to Live Your Life’ published by HarperCollins India.

If you have ever wondered how author Ruskin Bond manages to produce the kind of humongous output that he is known for – novels, short stories, essays, memoirs and poems –

read his new book How to Live Your Life (2022). You will come away refreshed and replenished by the kind of energy that he exudes in this light-hearted volume. Published by HarperCollins India, it is Bond’s birthday offering to his readers. He turns 88 on May 19.

“If you have a talent, put it to some use. It is something that some of us are born with, or even something that we might discover and acquire along the way. I think most of you have it in some form or the other,” writes Bond. He discovered his own talent for writing quite early in life. He recalls what a “dreamy fellow” he used to be, with his head “buried in a book of verse or a novel or an encyclopedia of natural history.” While his peers were excited about sports, he enjoyed “living vicariously” through the characters that he met in stories. Slowly, he gained the confidence to start creating his own characters and writing his own stories.

In his affectionate and encouraging tone, Bond urges readers to find out what they are good at. He believes that this talent can be honed through “effort and commitment” and used to serve others. The author is aware that adults – parents, guardians and teachers – have a tendency to foist their own ambitions on children, so he advises readers to pursue only what their heart is set on. “The world will reward you,” he promises, recalling the love that he has received. Bond notes, “Giving satisfaction, giving pleasure, that is often a reward in itself.”

The author offers advice but does not talk down to his readers. Instead, he indulges in self-deprecatory humour. He seems quite aware of his limitations in areas other than writing, so he remarks, “I can sing (preferably when no one is listening) but that doesn’t make a Tansen or a Caruso or a Mohit Chauhan.” He uses his own example to bring home the point that readers must make an honest assessment of their strengths before they decide on a vocation.

It is wonderful to see that Bond does not set up a hierarchy of talents. Hopefully, adults reading this book will recognize the importance of supporting children to embrace unconventional careers that might seem risky but are in keeping with the potential these children have within themselves. Bond writes, “There’s a potential artist or writer or singer or musician in you or perhaps a mathematician or a toy-maker, or a rocket-maker or a juggler.” He believes that they will excel and be happy, if they have “skill, commitment, even love.”

The book strikes a hopeful note but it is not cloyingly sweet. Bond’s optimism is balanced by pragmatism. He points out that a perpetual state of happiness is not desirable because it can make people excessively self-absorbed. They can stop caring about the suffering of others. In fact, they might lose all motivation if there are no challenges to face and solutions to look for. At the same time, Bond does not beat himself up. He regrets quarrelling with his mother, neglecting his sister, being rude to his teacher, and breaking his classroom windows but also realizes that things cannot be undone. Brooding does not help anyone. It is harmful.

Bond’s writing practice is what helps him stay in the moment. He writes evocatively about waking up at six in the morning in Landour, Mussoorie, where he lives to “see that pink and orange glow as the first light begins to spread over the mountains”. He begins the day with a half-hour of writing. Without this, he feels grumpy all day. He likes to use a gel-pen with “jamun-coloured ink” when he sits to write. At this age, his eyesight has deteriorated but the early morning sunlight helps him see more clearly, and the warmth loosens up his fingers.

This book also provides a glimpse of how elders can keep themselves occupied when their bodies become frail. Bond grows geraniums. “When I gaze upon them, I feel better, more capable of dealing with the stresses of the day,” he writes. The colours of these flowering plants transform his mood. When he feels “a little down in the dumps”, they cheer him up. He writes, “Grow something, my friend. Even if it’s only a succulent or a feathering fern. Find some corner of your room or balcony or window ledge where there’s a little sun, good light and warmth. Plant a seed or cutting, watch it grow, watch it flower.” This sounds easy and doable, for people of all ages. Why does he recommend it? According to him, “You will have taken a small part in God’s creation, and the rewards will be greater than the effort you have made.” He urges readers to become “one of nature’s allies, not one of her enemies”.

My favourite part of the book is where Bond addresses how to deal with heartbreak. He does not mention who broke his heart, if that is what you are interested in. What he does share is how to sit with “that tremendous surge of love for another” when it is not reciprocated. He writes, “What are we to do about it? Go on living in anguish? Become a stalker? Contemplate suicide? Do nothing, my friend. Time is the greatest healer. And the human mind is adaptable. The horrible days pass. The lonely weeks pass. The angry, self-pitying months pass.” This sounds like excellent advice, particularly for men who hurt themselves or the object of their affection – with acid attacks, revenge porn, death threats – when they do not get what they want. Bond assures readers that they “will meet someone” – a person that they have been waiting for all their lives. I suspect he watches too many Yash Chopra films.

Since Bond does not use email or a smartphone, it is quite likely that he is unfamiliar with the contemporary world of online dating where people e-meet numerous matches on a daily basis and weigh their options. They are not waiting to be swept off their feet. Perhaps Bond’s writing continues to be as charming as it is because it conjures up an older, simpler life.

Chintan Girish Modi is a journalist, commentator, and book reviewer.

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The Best Of Ruskin Bond: Medicine and What Matters in the End Kindle Edition

• Print length 449 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publisher Penguin
• Publication date April 1, 2016
• File size 790 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
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About the author.

Ruskin Bond's first novel, The Room on the Roof, written when he was seventeen, received the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written a number of novellas (including Vagrants in the Valley, A Flight of Pigeons and Mr Oliver's Diary), essays, poems and children's books, many of which have been published by Penguin Books. He has also written over 500 short stories and articles that have appeared in magazines and anthologies. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993, the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.

Ruskin Bond was born in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, and grew up in Jamnagar, Dehradun, New Delhi and Shimla. As a young man, he spent four years in the Channel Islands and London. He returned to India in 1955. He now lives in Landour, Mussoorie, with his adopted family.

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XYPN23N
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin (April 1, 2016)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2016
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 790 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 449 pages
• #6,830 in Single Authors Short Stories
• #11,338 in Short Stories (Books)
• #29,080 in Literary Fiction (Books)

About the author

Ruskin bond.

Ruskin Bond is the author of several bestselling novels and collections of short stories, essays and poems. These include The Room on the Roof (winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize), A Flight of Pigeons, The Night Train at Deoli, Time Stops at Shamli, Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra (winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award), Angry River, The Blue Umbrella, Rain in the Mountains, Roads to Mussoorie, A Little Night Music, Tigers for Dinner, Tales of Fosterganj, and A Gathering of Friends.

Ruskin Bond was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1999, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Delhi government in 2012 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.

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Book review: the blue umbrella by ruskin bond.

nice post really awesome!!!

It's wonderful to read

It was a good story! I loved that, thanks for the book review.

Kindly tell the word limit

thats great

It is very good story in all of my life and It is very useful for children and fantastic book My brother and sister like The story

Thanks for reading

This is a book review or not

I don’t know???🤣🤣🤣😂

Well , i do think so

It is a very useful story to children and fantastic book

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I need the review

goood story ............. i love reading even though no one reads in my family and as iam a poor girl we dont have enough money to buy then also i love 2 read\

it became very helpful for my school assignment thank u..

Work made easy by your review

This book review is so much helpful and awesome!!!

amazing story.......

Ur summary was very informative and helpful and contained all aspects of the story. Hats off to you for doing such a wonderful job......

The story is short and simple but elegantly touches the core aspect of humanity - kindness. Through Binya Ruskin instils a sense of kindness among children. It is an amazing read for all.

Thanks for reading Sangita..

I read this long ago and had to write a review . I found themes of healing and forgiveness ,how the life of a community can change with the introduction of a simple object and the ability of children to see through the game of adults and transcend it . remember reading it again and again .

Can you send me the review??

great story i loved it

nice story....thanks RUSKIN BOND for one more wonderful novella..Used for my holiday homework

Please,don't miss watching this movie. Pankaj kapur was awesome! Just the perfect movie to watch. Vishal bhardwaj should get all credit.

Great Great . Thanks for the review. Your website is website is very useful. 😄

Cool man hats off

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Very well written... Gud job 👍

I want the book publication

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Read it just yesterday.it is amazing

I want a book review..... Please🙏🙏 😚

Ruskin Bond casts the kind of simplicity in his stories that has an impactful impressions over one's life..

Easy to learn and understand

When did anil visit old lady ?

I have a book of it

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This book is a must to read i also have the book even though i am not so fond of reading books😄

Super story .This is a good story for children

superb story yrrr 🥺❤

thanks its help me my holiday homework now i no need to buy this book

It was very helpfull for summer vacation homeworj

Interesting story. Thanks for this Book Review. You've simple yet wonderful Book Blog

what is character description

This is a wonderful story by Ruskin Bond , it had helped me in my English Holiday Assignment and thanks for the one who had posted this

Fantastic story and its summary :)

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10 best books by ruskin bond that you must read in 2024.

Ruskin Bond is one of India's most well-known and recognised writers, with almost 50 years of writing expertise. His stories, expositions, novels, and poetry are primarily connected with nature and ordinary people. He keeps his stories simple, straightforward, and fascinating by expressing situations from first-hand accounts. Check out our list of the 10 best Ruskin Bond books.

Bestsellers of Ruskin Bond

The Room on the Roof

The Blue Umbrella

Angry River

Vagrants in the Valley

Flights of Pigeon

Flight of Pigeons

Book of humour.

Rusty, The Boy from The Hills

Rusty the Boy from the Hills

The night train at deoli and other stories.

Rain in the Mountains: Notes from the Himalayas

Rain in the Mountains - Notes from the Himalayas

Hidden pool.

FAQs: Best Books by Ruskin Bond

Q1. which was ruskin bond's first book, q2. what honours has ruskin bond received, q3. what are the benefits of reading ruskin bond's books, related products.

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• ⏳ [read_meter]

Ruskin Bond is one of the best Indian authors who has over 500 works to his credit. Most of his works are set in the backdrop of the Himalayas, Dehradun, and Mussoorie, where he spent much of his life. His literary alter ego, Rusty, is partially based on his childhood experiences, and many of his books feature Rusty as the main protagonist, exploring his life at various points. 

Best Ruskin Bond Books To Read!

He is often acknowledged for his unique writing style. His stories have simple themes. All of his protagonists are people whom we see in our everyday life. Each of his stories could make us remember someone similar, who we had come past in a different situation in life. Addressed as the “Children’s writer” and “The Man of Imagination,” his books cater to all generations’ reading needs. Here is a list of his best books:

1. The Room on the Roof

The Room on the Roof is the first novel of Ruskin Bond. Written almost 70 years back, this novel still tops the charts and is considered one of the best novels of Ruskin Bond. This was written by him during his adolescence and remained an easy connection for almost all adults to date. Rusty, an orphan, lives with his Guardian, Mr. Harrison, in Dehra. His guardian is wary of the Indian culture and wants to groom Rusty into an English person.

Recommended Reading For You! 📖 📚

Like every teenager, Rusty feels completely suffocated and craves freedom and a happy life. He befriends Somi and Ranbir and is forced to run away from his guardian after an unforeseen event. He gets the job of teaching Mr.Kapoor’s son Kishen through Somi. Mr.Kapoor is a drunkard with a wife, Meena, twenty years younger than him. Meena and Rusty fall in love, but Rusty’s happiness is short-lived when Meena dies in an accident. Mr.Kapoor remarries after this incident.

He again falls into the clutches of loneliness and pain after being abandoned again. What happens later? Did he find the love and freedom he was craving for? This novel describes the brutality of orphan life. This book also explains the pain a young and naive teenager had to face in his life and how he overcame everything. This novel also has a sequel, “Vagrants in the valley,” that focuses on the lives of Rusty and Kishen in the later years. You can get the book here! 📖

2. Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories

This book is a compilation of around 30 short stories by Ruskin Bond. The titular story revolves around a boy who travels from Dehradun to Delhi in a train that stops for a station named Deoli in between. On the platform, he meets a girl who sells baskets. He is immediately attracted to her. Having met her only twice, he searches for her the next day, and she is nowhere to be found. Did he find her at last? 

All the book’s stories revolve around themes like unrequited love, yearning for childhood, the simple and carefree good old days, and the people we meet around us. These stories emphasize that everyone we see carries a story in them. This book offers a perfect break from the everyday rush and lets us settle and sink in with the stories. You can get the book here! 📖

3. The Cherry Tree

The titular character, the cherry tree, is the story’s main protagonist. This story describes the journey of the cherry tree through the years that Rakesh, a six-year-old boy, had planted. Rakesh and his grandfather are living in Mussoorie. One day, Rakesh eats a cherry and plants its seed. The tree faces many hurdles, like almost being cut off, grazed by animals, drastic climate changes, and so on.

What happens to the cherry tree later forms the ending of the story. This story, like many other Ruskin Bond books, emphasizes the importance of nature and nurturing it. This book, falling under fifty pages, is a sweet read for children and adults alike. You can get the book here! 📖

4. A Little Book of Friendship

This book is a collection of quotes, thoughts, and poems on Friendship. Ruskin Bond emphasizes the importance of Friendship and draws comparisons between friendships and many other things in life. One of the best portions of the book is when Ruskin Bond describes Friendship through the eyes of an old photo album and says that, after all, life wasn’t that waste. 

Also, contrasting the world’s popular opinion today that friends must reach out to us, Ruskin Bond says that we can also lend our hand forward if we want good friends. Also, if we have mastered the art of Friendship, we can master anything in life. There are also little thoughts like looking at an old friend and mirroring ourselves, listening more than talking, and remembering the old times through hilarious incidents. You can get the book here! 📖

5. Angry River

Sita is a young girl living with her grandparents on an island. The island is located in the middle of the river. The river hasn’t flooded in many years, and the trio lives a simple yet peaceful life. Sita has a doll named Mamta with which she shares all her secrets with. When her grandmother falls ill, her grandfather takes her to the hospital in the nearby town. Suddenly it begins to rain, and there is a flood in the river. The river looks like it is in full-on angry mode, thus justifying the title.

She climbs into the tree nearby and seeks refuge from the heavy rain. The tree is also uprooted soon, and she is left afloat in the water. She meets a boy named Krishnan, who saves her from the tree and takes her on his boat. What happens later? Did she meet her grandfather? This tale is about hope, bravery, resilience, and turning over a new life despite life’s adversities. This story also is deeply rooted in village life and explores the simplicities and complexities of the same. A short and sweet read! You can get the book here! 📖

6. The Blue Umbrella

Binyadevi, aka Binya, and her brother Vijay, aka Bijju, live happily in the mountains. One day Binya trades her leopard-claw pendant for a blue umbrella from a few picnickers. Immediately after, her umbrella becomes the talk of the town. Ram Bharosa, a shopkeeper, is jealous of her umbrella. He even hires a boy to steal her umbrella. But the theft is stopped, and Ram Bharosa’s name is spoiled among the villagers. Ram Bharosa, his name that translates to Ram, the trustworthy becomes no longer trustworthy.

People stop buying things from him, and he is left all alone. Did he get the umbrella that he was longing for? What did Binya decide? This is a simple yet powerful story about how far people would go to get their desired things. Also, this story explains how greed and longing can completely change a person’s character. Being a very short read, this book can be completed in less than an hour or two.  You can get the book here! 📖

7. Time Stops At Shamli & Other Stories

This book is a collection of short stories that center on various themes like the loss of a loved one, a love that can never succeed, a love that leaves oneself longing for more, beauty and ugliness from the perception of one’s eyes, mother nature, tigers, and so on. Falling a bit more on the heavier side, these stories reflect the realities of life. If you are looking forward to realistic stories with the touch of nativity, this book can be your perfect choice! You can get the book here! 📖

8. The Great Train Journey

Ruskin Bond shares his love for train journeys in this collection of short stories. All the stories in this book are connected to the trains and railway stations of the small towns in India. Ruskin Bond reminisces the days when we had children playing in the tracks, adults staring and watching at the train, and the joy each passing train gave us. Nowadays, tied to the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, we don’t find any such things.

He also addresses the people on the train as mysterious faces traveling to mysterious destinations. He calls so because people can only stare at or wave at them; they can’t understand their story. The titular story describes a boy named Suraj’s short yet memorable train journey. If you are a great fan of train journeys or have spent much time on the trains, this book is a must-read! You can get the book here! 📖

9. Roads to Mussoorie

As the title describes, this book is a collection of Ruskin Bond’s experiences in and around Mussoorie. One unique portion of the book is that the Foreword is written as the Backword, and he states that he does almost everything backward, like reading a book, walking, and so on. And in contrast, the Epilogue is called the Foreword. Ruskin Bond explains the difficulties of a writer’s life, like waiting for the payment and not living in a lavish and fully furnished house, as opposed to the thinking of many people.

He also adds that people have to climb nearly twenty steps to meet him, which is quite tedious. Postman and postal service, which are almost endangered today, served an inevitable role back then. He explains how they, apart from delivering letters, delivered gossip everywhere and carried weapons to protect themselves from the tigers. The most influential people of that place, like the courier guy and other similar people of the place, are also described in detail. A feel-good read on the whole!  You can get the book here! 📖

10. Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra

This book is a collection of fourteen short stories that revolve around Ruskin Bond’s relationship with Dehra. He also introduces Maplewood in the first portion. He remains grateful for the place because he came there at age 35, willing to take the risk of being a freelancer and build a future and career for himself. He also expresses his regret because the forests and trees in the place are being taken down in the name of Modernization. 

Other impactful stories in the book include “Untouchability,” a practice that prevents two children from entirely different classes from staying together, and “What’s your dream?”  a story that emphasizes the value of focusing on our dream rather than trying to take away the dreams of others. You can get the book here! 📖

If you want to read feel-good stories with fresh greenery, simple people, and carefree times, these books can be your perfect choice. How many books have you read from the list? Let us know in the comments below! Happy reading!

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I am a freelance content writer and book reviewer who loves unleashing creativity, one pen stroke at a time. I like reading and writing about what I read. In an attempt to explore and introduce Tamil and Indian literature. Welcome to my world!

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