Top 10 Books of Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond is a renowned Indian author, known for his works of fiction set in the Indian Himalayas. His stories are often set in the small towns and villages of the region, and are characterized by their evocative descriptions of nature and the simple, honest lives of the people who inhabit these places. He has written over a hundred books, including novels, short story collections, and non-fiction works. In this list, we present the top 10 books of Ruskin Bond that have captivated readers for decades with their heartwarming and nostalgic tales. These books are a must-read for anyone who loves Indian literature and wants to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayas.

The Room on the Roof

“The Room on the Roof” is one of Ruskin Bond’s most celebrated works, earning him the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize. It tells the story of Rusty, an orphaned Anglo-Indian teenager who is unhappy with the strict ways of his guardian, Mr. Harrison. In search of freedom, Rusty runs away from home and befriends some Indians, through whom he discovers the true beauty of India. He eventually finds temporary residence on the roof of a building where he teaches English to a young boy. This heartwarming story is considered one of the best books by Ruskin Bond for children.

Our Trees Still Grow In Dehra

“A Town Called Dehra” is a collection of 14 short stories by Ruskin Bond, with one of them, “A Flight of Pigeons” being adapted into the Bollywood film “Junoon”. The stories in this book have a semi-autobiographical angle, as they are based on events from the author’s life. The book traces Bond’s journey from Java to Bombay, his first destination in India, then to Delhi, and finally to the foothills of the Himalayas, where he settled and wrote nostalgic tales about this place that he considered equivalent to heaven in India. This collection of stories offers readers a deeper understanding of the author and the people who impacted his life.

The Blue Umbrella

“The Blue Umbrella” is a children’s book by Ruskin Bond that was adapted into a film and won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film. The book tells the story of Binya, a young girl living in a small Indian village called Garhwal, who acquires a fancy blue umbrella from some foreigners in exchange for her leopard claw pendant. The umbrella becomes the subject of envy for many villagers, including a local shopkeeper named Ram Bharosa, who will stop at nothing to get it, resorting to dirty games to accomplish his desires.

Roads To Mussoorie

“Rain in the Mountains” is a collection of nostalgic stories by Ruskin Bond, inspired by his time in the hilly hamlet of Mussoorie. The book captures his love for the town and takes readers on a journey through the roads of Mussoorie, where the author observes the daily scandals and the subtle nuances of everyday life. With his characteristic sense of humor and attention to peculiar details, Bond provides an entertaining and amusing read for readers.

Angry River

“Angry River” is a popular children’s novel by Ruskin Bond, featuring a protagonist named Sita. The story takes place on a tiny island where Sita lives with her grandparents. When her grandparents leave for an emergency, leaving her alone in the hut, a turbulent flood threatens to drown the entire island. The book follows Sita’s adventure as she fights to save herself from the incoming floodwater.

The Night Train at Deoli And Other Stories

Ruskin Bond’s book of 30 short stories, set in the small town of Garhwal, a hill station, delves into a variety of themes such as love, loss, pain, struggle and accomplishment. The stories range from romantic tales to subtle satirical accounts of village officials. Each one is thought-provoking and will leave a lasting impression on the reader, as is typical of Bond’s writing style. This book is a collection of emotional and powerful writing that will resonate with the reader.

Time Stops at Shamli and Other Stories

Time Stops at Shamli, and Other Stories” is a delightful collection of tales from India’s lesser-known heartland, featuring the small town of Shamli, where the author’s train stopped on his way to Delhi. The town holds special significance for Bond as it is where he met his first love. The characters in the stories are simple people who live in Himalayan small towns and villages, and although they may not make headlines, they are notable for their quiet heroism, elegance, and commitment to traditional values. This book combines the best of Ruskin Bond’s prose and poetry.

Funny Side Up

“Funny Side Up” is a book that appeals to readers of all ages, not just children. The book is written by Ruskin Bond, who has an exceptional ability to find humor and insight in the most mundane situations. He introduces his readers to his home, countryside, and existence. The book is filled with a cast of hilarious and colorful characters, including monkeys, wild boars, an aunt with a phobia of flowers, an eccentric cousin who believes he is the cricket star Ranji, and the clever seven-year-old Gautam. This book is a fascinating and entertaining read.

Lone Fox Dancing

“Lone Fox Dancing” is an autobiography by Ruskin Bond, in which he gives readers a glimpse into the roots of his writing. The book starts with a dream and a gentle haunting, and then takes the reader on a journey through Bond’s idyllic boyhood in Jamnagar on the Arabian Sea, where he wrote his first poetry, and New Delhi in the early 1940s, where he got the inspiration for his first short story. It proves that an autobiography can be an enjoyable read. This book is an excellent choice for book lovers of all ages, and a must-read from Ruskin Bond’s collection.

Looking for the Rainbow: My Years with Daddy

This book is a memoir by Ruskin Bond, which focuses on the two years he spent in Delhi with his father in the early 1940s. The book recounts how he escaped his boarding school to live with his father in Delhi, where he spent his time reading, going to the movies, listening to music and spending time with his father. The memoir is written from the perspective of a curious and creative young child and is Bond’s first-ever children’s memoir. The book also includes charming illustrations.

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