Secrets by Ruskin Bond

Blurb (from the jacket):

Yes, there was a skeleton in the cupboard, and although I never saw it, I played a small part in the events that followed its discovery . . . 

This brilliant new collection of stories by one of India s best-loved storytellers richly evokes Dehradun of the 1940s, with its quaint cinema halls and crumbling villas, its modest chaat-shops and ubiquitous tongas. But, as young Ruskin the narrator in these interconnected tales soon discovers, not all is as it seems in this sleepy town. Behind the tranquil facade, Dehra is home to a cast of colourful characters: from plucky old women to possible murderers. 

The Canal is a joyful tribute to adolescent mischief and adult resolve, in which a group of roguish boys must face the consequences of antagonizing the much-feared Miss Gamla. Over the Wall celebrates the resilience and hard-won dignity of a man ravaged by leprosy as he struggles to come to terms with his malady. The dashing young army captain in At Green s Hotel might be the perfect gentleman or a murderer. And in The Skeleton in the Cupboard , an old scandal is revived following a chance discovery, leading to wholly unexpected results.

By turns charming and poignant, witty and exhilarating, Secrets is vintage Bond.

A Flight of Pigeons by Ruskin Bond

Blurb (from the jacket):

Set in Shahjahanpur during the revolt of 1857, A Flight of Pigeons is Ruskin Bond's classic novella about the twists of fate, history and the human heart. 

When Ruth Labadoor's father, a clerk in the British magistrate's office, is killed in an attack by sepoys, her family seek refuge with their trusted companion, Lala Ramjimal. From here they eventually hope to escape to their relatives in Bareilly. But their plans go awry when Javed Khan, a fiery Pathan opposed to the British, abducts Ruth and her mother and takes them to his haveli. To their surprise, it is not hate that impels him in this time of war, but an almost crippling passion for Ruth. It will be months before the fall of Delhi to British troops brings them freedom—from fear, bafflement and despair, not only their own but also Javed Khan's. 

Based on true events, A Flight of Pigeons is a haunting story, rich in detail and drama, told with simplicity and deep humanity.

Tales of Fosterganj by Ruskin Bond

Back-cover Blurb:

'I forget what took me to Fosterganj in the first place. Destiny, perhaps; although I’m not sure why destiny would have bothered to guide an itinerant writer to an obscure little hamlet in the hills. Chance would be a better word. For chance plays a great part in all our lives. And it was just by chance that I found myself in the Fosterganj bazaar one fine morning early in May…’

Blurb from the jacket:

It is the early 1960s, and chance has brought a struggling writer to Fosterganj, a forgotten hamlet on the outskirts of Mussoorie. Little happens here, apart from the occasional mule train clattering down a cobbled street; and the writer hopes to live like a recluse, maybe finish a book or two. But appearances, as always, are deceptive, and soon he's caught up in a series of unusual adventures: close encounters with a leopard and a sinister black bird; a drunken evening in the company of several hens and a  penurious prince; a long night spent locked inside a haunted palace; an expedition into the mountains in search of a rare aphrodisiac; and a journey to a remote cantonment town to deliver a box full of gemstones.

Few writers anywhere bring small and quiet places to life as compellingly, and with as light a touch, as Rukin Bond does. Peopled with characters both charming and eccentric, Tales of Fosterganj is storytelling at its effortless best.

Delhi Is Not Far by Ruskin Bond

Review:

I don't usually give up a book mid-way and start reading another book. Of course, there were cases when the book was very monotonous and the progress was so painstackingly slow and I  had to put the book aside and start another book afresh. I would neve commit such a feat, even if the book was so boring. I would in the least skip a few paragraphs and complete the book in some way. But I never stop a book in the middle and start  another one because I believe that it is the worst degree of disgrace any book might have earned from me. And yeah, there quiet a few books that earned such a degree of disgrace from me. It depicts the torturous path I went through during the course of reading the book. The books which I gave up midway - or the moment I complete the first few pages of the book - are never touched. Once a bore, always a bore. That's what I believe when it comes to books. When I stop reading a book, I put the book aside, write a review describing how torturous the book was and start readinganother book. Neither do I read mutiple books at a time. I have this deformity in my mind, which, when multipe books are read at once, will mix up the stories of the books and the outcome of the review is not just confusing to me and readers, but also authors. To save you all this misery I don't read more than one book at a given instance of time.

That is the quality of my reading for you. And this book is an exception.

Actually, I was midway through the book, Arjuna, when I started and completed reading this book. The discontinuation of the former book is not because of any negative aspect, but due to circumstance. The reason for that case is a story in itself. Readers who are uninterested in the story but the review, can scroll down past the 'My story' part to read the remaining review. Others, read on!

My story:

When I was about 60% through the book, Arjuna by Anuja Chandramouli, I was boarding a train to Chennai from Hyderabad. I was going there for my summer vacations, for paying visit to innumerable maternal uncles based over there. The number of maternal uncles and aunties I had always fascinated me. My grandfather must have been a man of stamina. (Note: Girls, who are reading this review. I am the direct grandson of him. If you know what I mean. ;) )

Anyway, it was a full 12-hour journey and I was determined to complete reading Arjuna. The moment stepped into the train; I extracted the book from my bag and started reading it. Though the train is of 12 hours, I had only about 4 hours of reading time, because after 11 PM lights are switched off and I was sure to not wake up until the train reaches its ultimate stop and some co-passenger would wake me up, out of mere pity, if not helpfullness.

As I have said earlier, I started reading the book the moment I got into the train, paying little heed at the petty jokes cracked by the ill-jovial co-passengers. Noticing that I am not paying any attention to their jokes and was immersed in the book, the hefty aunty to my side asked me what I was reading.

I, who was interested by anything related to books, said with enthusiasm, "The book's name is Arjuna by Anuja Chandramouli. It is the story of Mahabharathha narrated in the English used in 20th century." Just then, my mom called me to have dinner. We had dinners early during train journeys. The hefty aunty borrowed the book and I went for dinner. After I returned from dinner, the aunty wasn't ready to part with the book. I hesitated to mouth the request.

After sometime, maybe aunty sensed my hesitation, she said, "I will read this last chapter and will give you. You are heading Chennai only, no?" Noticing my frustration, she said, "Don't worry. I will return the book before you get down the train for certain." That is when all the hope of completing reading that book shattered. I thought, I had to spend the rest of the journey with only one companion - boredom.

That is how I came to read this book. The reason: To evade boredom. Why this book: Because its thickness is about 3 needles kept side-by-side.

Plot (from GoodReads):

In dull and dusty Pipalnagar, each day is like another, and 'there is not exactly despair, but resignation'. Even the dreams here are small. Adrift among them, the narrator, Arun, a struggling writer of detective novels in Urdu, waits for inspiration to write a blockbuster. Meanwhile, he seeks reassurance in love, and finds it in unusual places: with the young prostitute Kamla, wise beyond her years; and the orphan Suraj, homeless and an epileptic, yet surprisingly optimistic about the future. this is a memorable story about small lives, with all the hallmarks of classic Ruskin Bond prose: nostalgia, charm, underplayed humour and quiet wisdom.

My take of the book:

I don't think Ruskin Bond, the author, needs an formal introduction. Even people who don't read book should be aware of him as many of his stories are included in English textbooks all over the country. Even I had one story of his when I was in my sixth grade. Due to the long years between then and now, I don't much remember the story. (I had to ask my friend in which we had his story.)

Ruskin Bond has a special haven inside my house. Why, you ask me? Even I can't answer that question. In fact, I don't know the answer for that question. I developed a liking for him even before I read any of his books. In fact, if you can believe, this is my second book from him. The first one being Road To Mussoorie. It was was joyful read. I always had a heart for hills and hilly regions and this was just the book to rejoice my heart. Perhaps, it is his narrative style that rejoices one's heart.

Ever came across a book by Ruskin? Not the omnibus kinda books, but the other ones. The novellas. My jaw literally touches ground when see the size of one of his novellas and the price printed on its back. Even this book was a mere 111 pages, double-spaced - or maybe, triple-spaced - and costs 150 rupees! If you consider other books, you will recognize it is pretty expensive. Even the matter inside the cover is worth the price. But, that is for me. I guess this does not apply for all the readers.

As a reviewer, the right to judge a book lies in my hand. And that is what I should being a book reviewer. I have to judge the book. On the other hand, my reviews should be genuine. I shouldn't show partial feeling about the authors or the publishers. But very often I am thrown in a turmoil, where I myself am not sure whether the book I like will be of everyone's interest. This is one of those cases. Now I have decided to review and rate this book on the basis of my point of view. Let me push all the thoughts of likes of others aside and present you what I have experienced when reading this book.

Like I have said before, it is perhaps Bond's narrative style. It is like a pleasant, heart-warming melody from a violin. Frankly, I don't think the story holds much fascination about itself. It is the style of narration and the author's vivid imagination of a character, who itself is an author but a poor one. Also, the protagonist's, who is an author, story also interested me to some extent. That could be maybe because I am aspiring to be author, too. Or it could be mutual with other readers alike. I can't say.

I want to end the review here itself. There is not much I could recollect that fascinated me about the story. Yeah, I noticed even in this book - like the one I previously read - Ruskin Bond, the significant effect hilly regions have on man's brain. I couldn't agree with him more. Also the blurb mentioned on the front cover of the book can't be more true. 

"A small gem of a book" - Outlook

Final verdict:

Based on the description of the story and your hope and understanding of Ruskin's story's go for the book. If you haven't read any of his books, then you must certainly pick one of his book. You will be happy, I assure you.

Recommendations:

All those readers who want a tiny refreshment. All those readers who enjoy Ruskin's novellas. All those experienced readers who are capable of enjoying deep-narratives style of thoughtful authors like Ruskin Bond.