Ruskin Bond Books
It’s widely acknowledged that “Broken families raise broken children,” but is it really the truth? Perhaps! For some children, pen their pain, while others use it as an excuse to avoid accountability. Today, we are talking about a child who turned his misery into passion. Grew up in a chaotic home, witnessed his parents’ separation and the early death of his father, Ruskin Bond sought solace in nature, amidst the rustling leaves and calm evenings. He started writing stories at a very young age. However, becoming a published author wasn’t as easy as writing a story; he faced endless rejections. Yet today, the world talks about his books. So, take a deep breath and let’s dive into the ten best Ruskin Bond books.
Top 10 Famous Ruskin Bond Books
If you are new to Ruskin Bond books, you should definitely explore these top ten works of his!
The Room on the Roof
What do you think will be a child’s thoughts when he lives under constant stress and anxiety? When he knows no place that he can call his own, no person to associate with ‘home?’ He would consistently wish to attain freedom or run away, right? The Room on the Roof revolves around this scenario. Ruskin Bond deftly curated this story, focusing on childhood trauma and how it impacts their development.
The protagonist in this story is an orphan boy who was looked after by his English Guardian; he lived under constant stress. Eventually, he ran away from his place, seeking a home, and ended up with a few of his friends. As life progressed, he fell in love with a married woman, and his world turned upside down upon hearing of her accident. Later, he and his friend decide to change their life for the better.
The Blue Umbrella
Some children get whatever they want the moment they lay their eyes on it, while others struggle even to dream of what their heart wishes, for they know such a thing exists, but have never been close to seeing it. So, what do you think happens when a poor child buys what fascinates them by bartering something very close to them? Of course, he or she will become possessive of their newly bought commodity, isn’t it? The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond revolves around a similar plot.
When the protagonist bought a mesmerising blue umbrella from a bunch of tourists, a village shopkeeper became desperate to own it. The story revolves around his jealousy of the girl’s umbrella and ends on a note of kindness and the feeling of sharing.
Angry River
Although nature is undoubtedly the most beautiful creation of god, it possesses the power to ruin lives within the blink of an eye. Angry River by Ruskin Bond is a short fictional story which depicts the cruelty of nature.
The protagonist in this story is a young girl who had to climb a Peepal tree to save herself from drowning in the flood, while her grandfather was in the hospital to cure her grandmother’s illness. Although the peepal tree was deracinated, a boy saved that young girl. Later, she found out that her grandmother was dead; despite everything, she tried to build a contented life again with her grandfather.
Vagrants in the Valley
If you have read The Room on the Roof and are wondering about what happened to the two friends after they decided to start afresh, you should read Vagrants in the Valley by Ruskin Bond, as it’s the sequel to the former.
The two boys encounter multiple hurdles on their way back to Dehradun, but eventually learn about self-reliance, discovery, and friendship.
A Flight of Pigeons
Do you know who struggles the most in a war? It’s the families! Their lives become miserable after their loved one’s demise. A Flight of Pigeons revolves around the revolt of 1857 in Shahjahanpur, India. Ruskin Bond has highlighted the struggles of a British girl’s daughter after some Indian rebels murdered her father inside a church.
The girl and the mother eventually sought protection from an Indian local, but later, a Muslim man fell in love with the girl with the intention of marrying her. However, at last, the British won the war, which gave the girl freedom from constant fear, anxiety, and the man who intended to marry her.
Rusty, The Boy From the Hills
It’s often said that a writer writes what he lives. Perhaps it wouldn’t be entirely incorrect to say that Ruskin Bond’s book Rusty, the Boy From the Hills, describes his childhood. The pages delve into the protagonist’s life, his hardships, and the memories he created throughout his life. The book ends on a positive note, wherein the boy learns about self-discovery, family, and loss.
The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories
Do you wish to visit hill stations, experience the beauty of nature, the bliss of solitude, love, and friendships, and have no finances? Then don’t worry! All you have to do is purchase The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories by Ruskin Bond. A collection of 30 enticing short stories. Why? Because Ruskin Bond will take you to those places with his delicate and compelling writing style.
Rain in the Mountains: Notes from the Himalayas
If you wish to take a sneak peek into Ruskin Bond’s life, then you must read Rain in the Mountains: Notes from the Himalayas. Bond has described his hill life in this book and his love for the seraphic nature.
Hidden Pool
Do you remember those days when you used to go out to play with your friend and explore new things every day? Be it a random ice-cream parlour! Those were the best times, right? Well, we cannot help you relive your childhood again, but we can surely suggest a Ruskin Bond book that feels like a call to the good old childhood days.
Ruskin Bond’s book, Hidden Pool, explores the lives of three friends who discover a pool in the hills that nobody knows about. Since then, they made it their second home and always went there to set out on another unforgettable adventure.
Book of Humour
As the name suggests, Book of Humour is a collection of funny and engaging short stories deftly crafted by Ruskin Bond that excites all ages. The stories will teach you how to celebrate the little joys of life, even if everything goes wrong
Also, check – Top 10 Public Domain Books
On a Parting Note
From The Room on the Roof to Book of Humour, reading Ruskin Bond’s books is an unforgettable experience. These stories will give you nostalgia, adventure, humour, and a home to which you will keep coming back. So, if you are new to Ruskin Bond’s books, then you must explore these top 10 works of his!
