Ruskin Bond, the celebrated Indian author, has gifted us with a treasure of literary gems. Let us talk about the world of ruskin bond books, exploring their stories and themes.
List of Ruskin Bond Books
“The Blue Umbrella”
- Published: 1980
- What this book is about: Set in a picturesque Himalayan village, this novella revolves around a young girl named Binya who acquires a beautiful blue umbrella. The umbrella becomes a coveted possession, leading to unexpected consequences. Bond’s vivid descriptions of nature and human emotions make this a timeless tale.
“The Room on the Roof”
- Published: 1956
- What this book is about: A semi-autobiographical novel, it introduces us to Rusty, an orphaned Anglo-Indian boy living in Dehradun. Rusty’s adventures, friendships, and struggles form the heart of this coming-of-age story. The ruskin bond books won the prestigious John Llewellyn Rhys Prize.
“The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories”
- Published: 1988
- What this book is about: A collection of short stories, this book transports readers to the Indian countryside. From poignant love stories to encounters with mysterious strangers, Bond weaves magic through his lyrical prose.
“Best Of Ruskin Bond”
- Published: 1994
- What this book is about: A compilation of some of Bond’s finest works, including snippets from his novels, essays, and poems. It is a delightful journey through his literary universe.
“Roads to Mussoorie”
- Published: 2010
- What this book is about: An autobiographical account, this book chronicles Bond’s life in the charming hill station of Mussoorie. His reflections on nature, solitude, and human connections resonate deeply.
“Delhi Is Not Far”
- Published: 2005
- What this book is about: A novel set in Delhi, it follows the lives of three friends—Arvind, Kamla, and Suraj. Their dreams, aspirations, and struggles intersect in the bustling cityscape.
“Time Stops at Shamli and Other Stories”
- Published: 1989
- What this book is about: Another collection of short stories, this book captures the essence of small-town life. Bond’s keen observations and empathy for his characters shine through.
“A Book of Simple Living”
- Published: 2015
- What this book is about: A delightful blend of memoir and musings, Bond shares his experiences of living close to nature in the hills. His love for simplicity, birds, and solitude permeates every page.
Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra”
- Published: 2000
- What this book is about: A nostalgic journey back to Dehra, Bond’s hometown. He celebrates the enduring bond between people and nature through anecdotes and memories.
Rusty: The Boy from the Hill”
- Published: 2002
- What this book is about: Continuing Rusty’s adventures, this book explores his adolescence, friendships, and the complexities of growing up. Bond’s evocative storytelling captures the essence of the hills.
“The Sensualist”
- Published: 1991
- What this book is about: This novel introduces us to Nawab, a young man seeking pleasure and life experiences. Set against the backdrop of Dehradun, the story explores desire, love, and the complexities of human relationships.
The Cherry Tree”
- Published: 1992
- What this book is about: A heartwarming collection of short stories, each centred around a cherry tree. Bond weaves magic with tales of friendship, nostalgia, and the passage of time.
“The Hidden Pool”
- Published: 1991
- What this book is about: A children’s novel that transports readers to the enchanting hills. Sita and her brother Ravi discover a hidden pool, leading to an adventure filled with mystery and wonder.
The Kitemaker”
- Published: 1994
- What this book is about: A poignant novella about Ramesh, a kite maker, and his bond with his grandson Kabir. The story reflects on life, loss, and the art of kite flying.
The Adventures of Rusty”
- Published: 2000
- What this book is about: A compilation of Rusty’s escapades, including stories like “Rusty Runs Away,” “Rusty and the Magic Mountain,” and “Rusty and the Leopard.” Each tale captures the innocence and curiosity of childhood.
Rain in the Mountains”
- Published: 2001
- What this book is about: A lyrical collection of poems celebrating nature, solitude, and the monsoons. Bond’s evocative verses transport us to mist-covered hills and rain-kissed landscapes.
The Lamp Is Lit”
- Published: 1999
- What this book is about: An autobiography where Bond shares glimpses of his life, inspirations, and writing journey. It is a heartfelt narrative from his childhood in Jamnagar to his love for the hills.
“The India I Love”
- Published: 1993
- What this book is about: A travelogue that captures Bond’s love for India, the people, places, and traditions. His observations and anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the country’s diversity.
“The Window on the Wall”
- Published: 1993
- What this book is about: A collection of ghost stories where shadows, whispers, and eerie happenings come alive. Bond’s mastery in creating an eerie atmosphere shines through.
“The Elephant and the Cassowary”
- Published: 1995
- What this book is about: A delightful children’s book featuring animal tales. Each character teaches valuable life lessons, from the wise elephant to the quirky cassowary.
“The Blue Hill”
- Published: 2001
- What this book is about: A novel set in the hills, where Ranji discovers a mysterious blue hill. His quest to unravel its secrets leads to unexpected revelations.
“The Ghost of Trees”
- Published: 1997
- What this book is about: A haunting novella that intertwines nature, memories, and the supernatural. Bond’s prose evokes a sense of wonder and melancholy.
“The Wind on Haunted Hill”
- Published: 2002
- What this book is about: A spine-chilling collection of ghost stories. From eerie encounters in old bungalows to restless spirits, Bond weaves tales that linger long after reading.
“The Eyes Have It”
- Published: 1993
- What this book is about: A short story where the protagonist, Armaan, meets a mysterious woman on a train. Their conversation takes an unexpected turn, revealing hidden truths.
The Adventures of Rusty: Rusty Goes to London”
- Published: 2008
- What this book is about: Rusty’s escapades continue as he starts his journey to London. New friendships, cultural discoveries, and a touch of nostalgia await him.
“The Ruskin Bond Children’s Omnibus”
- Published: 2002
- What this book is about: A delightful compilation of stories for young readers. From mischievous monkeys to magical forests, Bond’s imagination knows no bounds.
The Parrot Who Would not Talk & Other Stories”
- Published: 2003
- What this book is about: An enchanting collection of tales featuring animals, birds, and their whimsical adventures. Bond’s love for nature shines through every page.
The Road to the Bazaar”
- Published: 2004
- What this book is about: A novella set in the bustling bazaars of India. Follow Kishen, a young boy, as he navigates life, dreams, and unexpected encounters.
“The Whistling Schoolboy and Other Stories”
- Published: 2009
- What this book is about: More short stories that celebrate childhood innocence, mischief, and the magic of everyday moments. Bond’s narrative style is both heartwarming and nostalgic.
“The India I Saw”
- Published: 2011
- What this book is about: A travelogue where Bond shares his experiences of exploring India from the Himalayan villages to the coastal towns. His observations are a tribute to the country’s diversity.
The Blue Horse and Other Amazing Animals from Indian History”
- Published: 2014
- What this book is about: A fascinating non-fiction book that introduces young readers to remarkable animals from India’s past. From war elephants to loyal horses, these stories are both educational and captivating.
“The Book of Nature”
- Published: 1995
- What this book is about: A collection of essays celebrating the natural world. Bond reflects on trees, birds, seasons, and the interconnectedness of life.
“The Cherry Tree” (Different Edition)
- Published: 1993
- What this book is about: Another edition of the beloved cherry tree stories, each carrying its charm and nostalgia.
“The Great Train Journey”
- Published: 2001
- What this book is about: A delightful account of Bond’s train travels across India. From scenic landscapes to quirky fellow passengers, this book captures the essence of rail journeys.
“The Adventures of Rusty: Rusty Comes Home”
- Published: 2010
- What this book is about: Rusty returns to Dehradun after his London escapade. Homecomings, reunions, and the familiar hills await him.
FAQs
Who is Ruskin Bond?
Ruskin Bond is an Indian author known for his captivating stories set in the hills and mountains of India. Born on May 19, 1934, he has written over 500 short stories, essays, and novels.
What is his notable debut novel?
His debut novel, “The Room on the Roof”, was published in 1956 and received the prestigious John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957.
How many ruskin bond books has been authored?
Ruskin Bond has authored 69 books for children and more than 100 ruskin bond books in total. His works span various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and short stories.
Which awards has he received?
He was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for “Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra”. Ruskin Bond was also awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.
Where does he reside?
Ruskin Bond lives with his adopted family in Landour, Mussoorie, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
What are some of his famous books?
Some of his notable works include:
- “The Blue Umbrella”
- “A Flight of Pigeons”
- “Angry River”
- “The Room on the Roof”
- “A Handful of Nuts”
- “The Writer on the Hill: The Very Best of Ruskin Bond”
