RUSKIN BOND
ROADS TO MUSSOORIE
Publisher: Rupa
Pages: 126
One word review: Evocative!
Goodreads: 4.20
Did you know?
Ruskin Bond wrote his first novel, 'The Room On The Roof', when he was seventeen.
Roads To Mussoorie is a recollection of life events from the author Ruskin Bond about his own life and childhood, at a place where he grew up. I am relieved to write this book's review for one reason - it isn't a story and I do not have anything to spoil. It is a joyful collection of events that occurred in Ruskin Bond's life and admiring description of his native place.
Impressive Lines From Book
Gerry's panther call sounded genuine enough, but neither he nor I nor his wired box looked anything like a female panther.
The author quite eccentrically starts out by wring a 'Backward' instead of foreword and that was indeed amusing to read. He then starts out modestly by delineating his breakfast over the years but all of a sudden shockingly reveals horrible facts about leopard attacks in the town. Noteworthy to mention here, many of his subtle lines about his take on certain events are remarkably hilarious.
On the open road there are no strangers. You share the same sky, the same mountain, the same sunshine and shade. On the open road we are all brothers.
The author then goes on to recollect memories about his road trip adventures onto Delhi and other towns in the vicinity. The short stories that entails are reminiscing and absorbing. There are five chapters completely dedicated to the road trip quests that he had partaken. The writing is absolutely engaging and mesmerising, and at times you feel yourself on the road along with the author experiencing viscerally.
For aloo-mutter and aloo-dhum, Our heartfelt thanks to Captain Young!
Furthermore, we are briefed about the daily habits of the author and his predilection for nature in any circumstance. The narration is from the perspective of the author and so we clearly see what it is to be like Ruskin Bond, a person who mostly prefers to be reclusive but only with the companionship of nature. Certainly, the author's lifestyle would resonate with bucolic readers. There are amusing and droll stories about the history of the town, gossips about the folks who lived in the town and still continue to live, and also a humorous incident that occurred to Bond after a memorable 'pot' party.
Hinduism comes closest to being a nature religion. Rivers, rocks, trees, plants, animals and birds, all play their part, both in mythology and in everyday worship.
This book is a portal to Ruskin Bond's life and it as good as all the short stories and novellas he had ever written. We read about nature, hills, villages, folks, animals, birds, roads, bazaars, and every other aspect you could think of a countryside life. When you complete reading this book, it would definitely leave you rustic. And you would feel that you had actually paid a visit to the places mentioned in the book.
Verdict: A Joyful Ride Along The Countryside!
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MaddiE's Note:
If you find any mistakes or need for improvements please comment or reach out to me.