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Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra
Fourteen engaging stories from one of India's master story-tellers Semi-autobiographical in nature, these stories span the period from the author's childhood to the present. We are introduced, in a series of beautifully imagined and crafted cameos, to the author's family, friends, and various other people who left a lasting impression on him. In other stories we revisit Bond's beloved Garhwal hills and the small towns and villages that he has returned to time and again in his fiction. Together with his well-known novella, A Flight of Pigeons (which was made into the film Junoon), which also appears in this collection, these stories once again bring Ruskin Bond's India vividly to life.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Ruskin Bond
611 books3,401 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
November 10, 2016
I like people who read books
I like people, a little more, who love to read Ruskin Bond .
But the thing I like most is to sit near my apartment Window and read a Ruskin Bond book myself and feel nostalgic , remembering all those time I spent with my friends and remember my beautiful village near the sea
And if there is a milkshake to go by Its Christmas :D
About this particular book ,well this is Ruskin bond at his best .
you don't believe me ?
Then how about the fact 'this is the book for which Bond got his Sahitya academy award ' :)
This small book of 108 pages , 16 beautiful short stories and a even more beautiful introduction,is so cute to look at ,I was half a mind to eat this book instead of reading :P
This book is semi auto biographical ,semi as in this book not only about Bond ,rather about stories Bond was part of as a child .
This book is not for the mind ,this book is for your soul :)
I like people, a little more, who love to read Ruskin Bond .
But the thing I like most is to sit near my apartment Window and read a Ruskin Bond book myself and feel nostalgic , remembering all those time I spent with my friends and remember my beautiful village near the sea
And if there is a milkshake to go by Its Christmas :D
About this particular book ,well this is Ruskin bond at his best .
you don't believe me ?
Then how about the fact 'this is the book for which Bond got his Sahitya academy award ' :)
This small book of 108 pages , 16 beautiful short stories and a even more beautiful introduction,is so cute to look at ,I was half a mind to eat this book instead of reading :P
This book is semi auto biographical ,semi as in this book not only about Bond ,rather about stories Bond was part of as a child .
This book is not for the mind ,this book is for your soul :)
September 10, 2021
So I am putting this comment in just to clean up my 'currently-reading' shelf.
'Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra' is not a book one reads to finish, I suppose. I've read all stories in this book, if that is what is meant by finishing this book. But I have been reading this for the last couple of years. I take this book with me to train rides and to long queues and to airport waiting areas, and turn a couple of pages when I feel like.
It's that kind of readily-accessible, everyday magic.
Currently-reading? Yeah, I suppose it'll be on my 'currently-reading' shelf for a while yet.
'Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra' is not a book one reads to finish, I suppose. I've read all stories in this book, if that is what is meant by finishing this book. But I have been reading this for the last couple of years. I take this book with me to train rides and to long queues and to airport waiting areas, and turn a couple of pages when I feel like.
It's that kind of readily-accessible, everyday magic.
Currently-reading? Yeah, I suppose it'll be on my 'currently-reading' shelf for a while yet.
December 28, 2016
Really loved this collection of stories having so much of variety. Every story incites emotion of a different category - loss of a parent, returning back to a city after decades, grandpa's pets, wisdom, reminiscing childhood friendships and partners in crime.
All of them stamped with Bond's signature simplistic langauge and oozing with love for nature.
You just can't escape that smile on your face when you encounter those known characters and references from his web of other stories :) :) :)
My personal favorites were these three standing out tall from the rest:
Escape from java
All creatures great and small
The Bar that Time Forgot
All of them stamped with Bond's signature simplistic langauge and oozing with love for nature.
You just can't escape that smile on your face when you encounter those known characters and references from his web of other stories :) :) :)
My personal favorites were these three standing out tall from the rest:
Escape from java
All creatures great and small
The Bar that Time Forgot
October 30, 2020
Our trees still grow in Dehra is a beautiful collection of short stories. These short stories are from Ruskin Bond's own life. Ruskin Bond is India's beloved author who never fails to put a smile on my face.
These short stories are full of joy and uplifting. The author grew up in the mountains and his love for the mountains and nature and simple life showed through in this. The writing was simple yet profound.
4.5 stars
These short stories are full of joy and uplifting. The author grew up in the mountains and his love for the mountains and nature and simple life showed through in this. The writing was simple yet profound.
4.5 stars
June 20, 2011
I always like the writings of Ruskin Bond especially when he talk about his life and about the mountains. I am also a lover of nature like him. Regarding this book, i can simply say that it is masterpiece of his work. Very nice collection of stories from his life. Some are serious, some are thought provoking and some are humorous. I like this book. I gave 5 out 0f 5 to it. MUST READ.
September 3, 2013
What can I say? Scarcely had I started the book when I reached the end! It was impossible to let go and now that it's finished I do indeed have a sense of emptiness.
As is usual he deftly touched our heart effortlessly... the anecdotes set in new India and the old. His apparent deep love for nature and the simple(well not always!) hill folk is evident as is his skill in almost careless insertion of wit (and to no small extent philosophy) in the stories.
This book, like all others, is worth every penny and second you put in it. If you have a love for lyrical prose, then this book (or any other Bond book) is surely the choice for you!
As is usual he deftly touched our heart effortlessly... the anecdotes set in new India and the old. His apparent deep love for nature and the simple(well not always!) hill folk is evident as is his skill in almost careless insertion of wit (and to no small extent philosophy) in the stories.
This book, like all others, is worth every penny and second you put in it. If you have a love for lyrical prose, then this book (or any other Bond book) is surely the choice for you!
March 13, 2014
touched the deepest core of my heart!
July 18, 2013
I hadn't heard of this writer until I got to India and I'm surprised he is not more well known. Lovely stories set in Northern India a decade or so before independence told from the point of view of a British boy born and raised in India. The time period is unique in that this is not really colonial literature about rather set right before the end of India as a British colony.
January 30, 2023
This book made me wanna meet Ruskin Bond asap, I just want to ask him so many things. This book is for the soul not for the mind. I loved it so much. Some stories have made it's place in my heartforever.
November 21, 2014
Simple yet profound. This book brought back so many wonderful memories of Dehra and Pauri... sigh!
Read
December 26, 2022Remembering Sono, I put my hand in my pocket and was reassured to feel the smooth outline of the jade sea horse.
‘I’ve still got Sono’s sea horse,’ I said, showing it to my father.
‘Keep it carefully,’ he said. ‘It may bring us luck.’
‘Are sea horses lucky?’
‘Who knows? But he gave it to you with love, and love is like a prayer. So keep it carefully.’
—————————
Freedom, I was beginning to realize, is something you have to insist upon.
‘I’ve still got Sono’s sea horse,’ I said, showing it to my father.
‘Keep it carefully,’ he said. ‘It may bring us luck.’
‘Are sea horses lucky?’
‘Who knows? But he gave it to you with love, and love is like a prayer. So keep it carefully.’
—————————
Freedom, I was beginning to realize, is something you have to insist upon.
August 29, 2021
Such a comfortable soothing book. Ruskin bond takes me to the hills and to my childhood every time! His personal stories in this book written so vividly and heartfelt makes me want to meet him. There is something relatable for everyone in almost every story! Makes me feel that we can see beauty and a story in almost every so called mundane thing in life. Very uplifting!
June 9, 2017
I am a fan! And I have solid grounds for it! This book like any other of Ruskin Bond's books focusses on the rather simple ways of life. The raw happiness felt around nature and all those tiny events that he has grown around and with. Small things that make life up! And also, now i know y his autobiography is called "lone fox dancing". An amazing experience as usual.
February 26, 2016
Short autobiographical stories set in the foothills of Himalayas – nature, nostalgia and idyllic life.
December 30, 2016
FIRST IMPRESSION:
The book was small, comfortably small. The print was small and had very less paragraph spacing, but all those minor issues did not matter. The mere excitement of holding a Ruskin Bond book, a gift at that, compensated for just about every thing. I found faults, those that I will carefully record here, but then the overall effect of a fan girl did not fade. The majestic cover, of a tree silhouette against a darkening twilit sky was the perfect cover for the book.
REVIEW:
Some book demand reviews to be written, not only for praises, but also for thrashing. But then there are some other books that make you want to shout out to the world, tell other readers and maybe casual passers by why you liked it so much that you would want others to read it too. Then there are books that will give you quotes to take back with you, those snippets that you will remember long after the book has been read and take back with you, to be remembered at different moments, making you realise that some books are forever. The review for this book is going to be in parts, one for each anecdote.
From the first quote, the book attracted me.
"The town's grown hard, none know me now or knew my mother's laughter. Most men come home as strangers."
More was said in this quote than in any other part of this book. This book is about Bond's memories, those that he treasures and brings back from his childhood and early adulthood. Each anecdote is a gem by itself.
Maplewood : An Introduction
'If it has gone, don't write and tell me. I'd rather not know.'
In these words, he expresses the pain of someone who has grown out of his old native town and is ruing it. Though it is called an introduction, this clearly shows that the author pines for Maplewood the place, as much for the people.
Escape from Java
The story details Bond's escape from Java during World War 2. He speaks about how he and his father escape Java and how the war changed the outlook of the Javanese people.
'Although the Dutch were unpopular with the Javanese people, ther was no ill feeling against individual Europeans. I could walk safely through the streets.'
One of his biggest concerns about evacuating Java was leaving behind Sono, his best friend. The childish enthusiasm and innocence is evident in Sono's words.
"We will go everywhere, and no one can stop us."
The Bent Double Beggar.
The story of Ganpat, who has words of wisdom to give. The story of how he got his wealth and subsequently his bump. This keeps the folklore and legend alive, reveling in the simple beauty of the tales native to a village. The bent beggar gives more wisdom and profound words than most philosophers.
'They didn't believe the truth (who does?), but it gave them something to think about and talk about and they left me in peace for a few days.'
'It is difficult to love your enemies. Much simpler not to have enemies.'
'If all the troubles in the world could be laid down in one big heap, and everyone was allowed to choose one trouble, we should end up by picking up our old trouble again.'
'In this life, all our desires are fulfilled, on the condition that they do not bring the happiness we expected from them.'
Untouchable
A story where we get a glimpse of untouchablity from the eyes of a ten year old. In the author's own words, this was his first short story, written when he was sixteen. A tale of how little kids are taught prejudice, rather than be born with it. The story of a 'cleaner boy' who is an untouchable and how Bond ends up befriending him.
All creatures great and Small
An engaging narrative that speaks about how Bond's grandfather raised exotic pets in the house. Bringing about the brilliance of those old days. His love for animals and where that came from is quite evident in this narrative that won my heart. It is, by far, the most interesting story ever, and one that made me smile more than once.
'Mail ponies, he [Grandfather] told me, were difficult animals, always attempting to turn around and get into the coach with the passengers.'
The episode with the ticket collector tickled my funny bone, while the one with Aunt Mabel and the python amused me.
'Aunt Mable had another set of hysterics when she saw him [the python] admiring her from under a cusion.'
'... Then he [the python] was back on the dressing table, admiring himself in the mirror.'
Coming Home to Dehra
Having read about Bond's childhood, this story that dealt with his experiences in boarding school and how the death of his father affected him, was a sad and poignant one that made me hate his headmaster as much as he did, just with his words. This is easily the saddest story, with the tale of a small boy who had lost his only caring parent and had to live with a mother and a step father who couldn't care less.
'I suppose if one is present when a loved one dies, or sees him dead and laid out and later buried, one is convinced of the finality of the thing and finds it easier to adapt to the changed circumstances.'
What's your Dream
A very short story that speaks about dreams and the importance of having them in moderation. An English speaking beggar approaches Bond and talks about having a dream. Bond, whose biggest dream was to have a room of his own at that time, responds so and receives one of the best life lessons of all time.
"...because it's so easy to lose it all, to let someone take it away from you. Or you become greedy, or careless and start taking everything for granted, and - Poof! - suddenly the dream has gone, vanished!"
The Last Tonga Ride
His innocent account of his life with his grandmother and his tonga rides with Bansi, the tonga man and his 'dost'. Bond's classic writing is evident in the way he talks about Ayah, and seriously declares that she is jealous about his friendship with a lowly tonga driver because she did not have a tonga for herself invokes a smile that only a child could bring. He also talks about his friendship with inanimate objects, the first being a tree.
'The tree made the first move, the first overture of friendship. It allowed a leaf to fall.'
Calypso Christmas
Bond's celebration of Christmas in his lodgings, with his friend George from Trinidad brings to mind the scenes as they would have happened. The first kiss he shared with Lucy and how she subsequently moved off gave a strange magic to the title and made it much more memorable.
'Little did I realise that an invitation to George would be interpreted as an invitation to all George's friends and relations - in fact anyone who had known him in Trinidad - but this was the way he looked at it.'
The Last Time I saw Delhi
This story brought back favorite memories of developing photographs from negatives and how Bond gifts a developed photo of his grandmother to his mother while she is in the hospital, dying. He speaks about the charm of Delhi and the story of its Punjabi folk in the slightly amused tone he takes. His conversation with his mother highlights the feelings of a child of separated parents in a subtle, seemingly dispassionate manner.
'In Delhi there is a feverish desire to be first in line, the first to get anything... This is probably because no one ever gets around to dealing with second comers.'
The Good Old Days
A nostalgic tale of 'the good old days' everyone likes to reminisce about. Bond visits Miss Mackenzie and gets talking with her, carefully gossiping about people they knew. His interest in listening to stories is quite obvious and makes the reader wonder that maybe, just maybe, that was why he was so successful as a writer too, one that managed to pen beautiful stories that held the imagination of many people captive.
"Fatal", I said, "Never admonish a drunk."
Miss Mackenzie ignored me and carried on.
Binya Passes By
The quintessential 'music in the hills' story where the author is captivated by a song he hears in the hillside, sung by a simple village girl. The story brings out the beauty of the hills and has every element to make it one that everyone will relate to. Of how a totally unexpected person would make a huge impact in your life that you will never be able to forget them.
'Binya... I take your name again and again - as thought by taking it, I can make you hear me, come to me, walking over the moonlit mountain.'
As Time Goes By
A story of Somi and Dal, of diaries that had memories and little boys who go on sneaky midnight adventures and revel in them. Bond sees someone who brings his childhood to his mind, and it shows just how suddenly these memories could surface and how they are all just under the surface.
'7th September : 'Do you like elephants?' Somi asked me.
'yes, when they are tame'.'
From Small Beginnings.
A beautiful quote by Rudyard Kipling began this story. In this story, we get to know about Prem, who, we know from previous accounts, was an important part of Bond's life and therefore deserves a story of his own. Bond is so moved by his presence that he writes poems, verses that would speak volumes about friendship.
If I am not for myself,
Who will be for me?
And if I am not for others,
What am I?
And if not now, when?
Death of the Trees
Short, shocking and moving - about how building roads for comfort and convenience would destroy trees and the quiet of a village as it is. But the life moves on, people get used to the comfort. Perhaps Bond ended this story the best.
'Never mind. Men come and go; the mountains remain.'
The Bar that Time Forgot
The beginning of the story confused me for a moment because I had gotten used to the first person narratives. But starting like the account of a Maharani frightened of cockroaches. It talks about one of Bond's favorite haunts and how it lay forgotten after years.
'The word gay had yet to be used in any sense other than happy in those days'
Desert Rhapsody
Bond's experiences in Jodhpur, on deserts and snakes. A fitting end to a beautiful book.
WHAT I LIKED:
•The stories and the language
•The simple tone and the casual narrative that has the moving power to take the reader back in time.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
•The font size and typeface are a bit straining on the eyes
VERDICT:
A book that stays in with me, in more ways than one. A brilliant read, gives me the satisfaction of having read a nice book after a long time!
The book was small, comfortably small. The print was small and had very less paragraph spacing, but all those minor issues did not matter. The mere excitement of holding a Ruskin Bond book, a gift at that, compensated for just about every thing. I found faults, those that I will carefully record here, but then the overall effect of a fan girl did not fade. The majestic cover, of a tree silhouette against a darkening twilit sky was the perfect cover for the book.
REVIEW:
Some book demand reviews to be written, not only for praises, but also for thrashing. But then there are some other books that make you want to shout out to the world, tell other readers and maybe casual passers by why you liked it so much that you would want others to read it too. Then there are books that will give you quotes to take back with you, those snippets that you will remember long after the book has been read and take back with you, to be remembered at different moments, making you realise that some books are forever. The review for this book is going to be in parts, one for each anecdote.
From the first quote, the book attracted me.
"The town's grown hard, none know me now or knew my mother's laughter. Most men come home as strangers."
More was said in this quote than in any other part of this book. This book is about Bond's memories, those that he treasures and brings back from his childhood and early adulthood. Each anecdote is a gem by itself.
Maplewood : An Introduction
'If it has gone, don't write and tell me. I'd rather not know.'
In these words, he expresses the pain of someone who has grown out of his old native town and is ruing it. Though it is called an introduction, this clearly shows that the author pines for Maplewood the place, as much for the people.
Escape from Java
The story details Bond's escape from Java during World War 2. He speaks about how he and his father escape Java and how the war changed the outlook of the Javanese people.
'Although the Dutch were unpopular with the Javanese people, ther was no ill feeling against individual Europeans. I could walk safely through the streets.'
One of his biggest concerns about evacuating Java was leaving behind Sono, his best friend. The childish enthusiasm and innocence is evident in Sono's words.
"We will go everywhere, and no one can stop us."
The Bent Double Beggar.
The story of Ganpat, who has words of wisdom to give. The story of how he got his wealth and subsequently his bump. This keeps the folklore and legend alive, reveling in the simple beauty of the tales native to a village. The bent beggar gives more wisdom and profound words than most philosophers.
'They didn't believe the truth (who does?), but it gave them something to think about and talk about and they left me in peace for a few days.'
'It is difficult to love your enemies. Much simpler not to have enemies.'
'If all the troubles in the world could be laid down in one big heap, and everyone was allowed to choose one trouble, we should end up by picking up our old trouble again.'
'In this life, all our desires are fulfilled, on the condition that they do not bring the happiness we expected from them.'
Untouchable
A story where we get a glimpse of untouchablity from the eyes of a ten year old. In the author's own words, this was his first short story, written when he was sixteen. A tale of how little kids are taught prejudice, rather than be born with it. The story of a 'cleaner boy' who is an untouchable and how Bond ends up befriending him.
All creatures great and Small
An engaging narrative that speaks about how Bond's grandfather raised exotic pets in the house. Bringing about the brilliance of those old days. His love for animals and where that came from is quite evident in this narrative that won my heart. It is, by far, the most interesting story ever, and one that made me smile more than once.
'Mail ponies, he [Grandfather] told me, were difficult animals, always attempting to turn around and get into the coach with the passengers.'
The episode with the ticket collector tickled my funny bone, while the one with Aunt Mabel and the python amused me.
'Aunt Mable had another set of hysterics when she saw him [the python] admiring her from under a cusion.'
'... Then he [the python] was back on the dressing table, admiring himself in the mirror.'
Coming Home to Dehra
Having read about Bond's childhood, this story that dealt with his experiences in boarding school and how the death of his father affected him, was a sad and poignant one that made me hate his headmaster as much as he did, just with his words. This is easily the saddest story, with the tale of a small boy who had lost his only caring parent and had to live with a mother and a step father who couldn't care less.
'I suppose if one is present when a loved one dies, or sees him dead and laid out and later buried, one is convinced of the finality of the thing and finds it easier to adapt to the changed circumstances.'
What's your Dream
A very short story that speaks about dreams and the importance of having them in moderation. An English speaking beggar approaches Bond and talks about having a dream. Bond, whose biggest dream was to have a room of his own at that time, responds so and receives one of the best life lessons of all time.
"...because it's so easy to lose it all, to let someone take it away from you. Or you become greedy, or careless and start taking everything for granted, and - Poof! - suddenly the dream has gone, vanished!"
The Last Tonga Ride
His innocent account of his life with his grandmother and his tonga rides with Bansi, the tonga man and his 'dost'. Bond's classic writing is evident in the way he talks about Ayah, and seriously declares that she is jealous about his friendship with a lowly tonga driver because she did not have a tonga for herself invokes a smile that only a child could bring. He also talks about his friendship with inanimate objects, the first being a tree.
'The tree made the first move, the first overture of friendship. It allowed a leaf to fall.'
Calypso Christmas
Bond's celebration of Christmas in his lodgings, with his friend George from Trinidad brings to mind the scenes as they would have happened. The first kiss he shared with Lucy and how she subsequently moved off gave a strange magic to the title and made it much more memorable.
'Little did I realise that an invitation to George would be interpreted as an invitation to all George's friends and relations - in fact anyone who had known him in Trinidad - but this was the way he looked at it.'
The Last Time I saw Delhi
This story brought back favorite memories of developing photographs from negatives and how Bond gifts a developed photo of his grandmother to his mother while she is in the hospital, dying. He speaks about the charm of Delhi and the story of its Punjabi folk in the slightly amused tone he takes. His conversation with his mother highlights the feelings of a child of separated parents in a subtle, seemingly dispassionate manner.
'In Delhi there is a feverish desire to be first in line, the first to get anything... This is probably because no one ever gets around to dealing with second comers.'
The Good Old Days
A nostalgic tale of 'the good old days' everyone likes to reminisce about. Bond visits Miss Mackenzie and gets talking with her, carefully gossiping about people they knew. His interest in listening to stories is quite obvious and makes the reader wonder that maybe, just maybe, that was why he was so successful as a writer too, one that managed to pen beautiful stories that held the imagination of many people captive.
"Fatal", I said, "Never admonish a drunk."
Miss Mackenzie ignored me and carried on.
Binya Passes By
The quintessential 'music in the hills' story where the author is captivated by a song he hears in the hillside, sung by a simple village girl. The story brings out the beauty of the hills and has every element to make it one that everyone will relate to. Of how a totally unexpected person would make a huge impact in your life that you will never be able to forget them.
'Binya... I take your name again and again - as thought by taking it, I can make you hear me, come to me, walking over the moonlit mountain.'
As Time Goes By
A story of Somi and Dal, of diaries that had memories and little boys who go on sneaky midnight adventures and revel in them. Bond sees someone who brings his childhood to his mind, and it shows just how suddenly these memories could surface and how they are all just under the surface.
'7th September : 'Do you like elephants?' Somi asked me.
'yes, when they are tame'.'
From Small Beginnings.
A beautiful quote by Rudyard Kipling began this story. In this story, we get to know about Prem, who, we know from previous accounts, was an important part of Bond's life and therefore deserves a story of his own. Bond is so moved by his presence that he writes poems, verses that would speak volumes about friendship.
If I am not for myself,
Who will be for me?
And if I am not for others,
What am I?
And if not now, when?
Death of the Trees
Short, shocking and moving - about how building roads for comfort and convenience would destroy trees and the quiet of a village as it is. But the life moves on, people get used to the comfort. Perhaps Bond ended this story the best.
'Never mind. Men come and go; the mountains remain.'
The Bar that Time Forgot
The beginning of the story confused me for a moment because I had gotten used to the first person narratives. But starting like the account of a Maharani frightened of cockroaches. It talks about one of Bond's favorite haunts and how it lay forgotten after years.
'The word gay had yet to be used in any sense other than happy in those days'
Desert Rhapsody
Bond's experiences in Jodhpur, on deserts and snakes. A fitting end to a beautiful book.
WHAT I LIKED:
•The stories and the language
•The simple tone and the casual narrative that has the moving power to take the reader back in time.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
•The font size and typeface are a bit straining on the eyes
VERDICT:
A book that stays in with me, in more ways than one. A brilliant read, gives me the satisfaction of having read a nice book after a long time!
April 7, 2023
As the name suggests this book has sweet nostalgia dripping from every line. I don't want to read anything else after this for the feeling to stay. As much as the book is about Dehra, it's also about the displaced, the migrants and the left behinds. The narrator is constantly pushed by circumstances to different worlds..from Java islands to the foothills of the Himalayas, from scorched plains of Delhi/UP to boarding in Shimla, from his ancestral home to London to Jersey and back. And while doing so he creates such indelible portraits of places and their inhabitants. Be it the trees (oh so many trees! see this excerpt: "Dehra was always a good place for trees...The roads were lined with neem and mango trees, eucalyptus, Persian lilac, jacaranda, amaltas and many others. In the gardens of the bungalows were mangoes, litchis and guavas; sometimes jackfruit and papaya." The book is strewn with so much of Nature, it looks like it's written by a biologist), the frogs the pythons, the buffaloes and the mountain streams, the ayah, the Tonga walas, Sono and Dal and the West Indian friends. My most favourite story from this collection is 'All creatures great and small' and I was so happy to see Toto the monkey again, having read about him in one of my 4th standard textbooks, where that blurb of a story introduced me to the hills and I have been obsessed ever since. I don't think it's even possible to experience nature so up close now in public domain. This is a treasure trove for the history buffs too.. it's like chancing upon a roomful of the British era hidden tchotchke in a gaming app. The stories are as relatable for any day dreaming child thinking of escaping to far off lands as they are to a migrant worker who craves for the good olden days and places back home. And people have many favourite writers but it's lines like these that make every Ruskin Bond fan dying to meet him "The faint queasiness I always feel towards the end of a journey...."
January 25, 2022
What an amazing collection of heart warming short stories it was! Semi- biographical in nature, this book is about Ruskin Bond’s experiences from his life.
I always prefer fiction over non fiction, but this book is an exception.
Each story is crisp yet so deep. I couldn’t take my smile off from my face while reading the entire book. It made me placid and drenched me with a mysterious sense of serenity. Every ounce of human emotion has been put by the author into the stories.
Every story was simple and yet so special. And that is Bond’s speciality. He writes even the simplest incidents in such an engaging way, one never feels tired by his book. Rather the book relieves you of any tiredness.
It is very difficult to pick up the best story. But if I had to, I would pick ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. I read this story as one of ‘Grandfathers private zoo’ in my childhood. Reading it again brought me a sense of nostalgia. His books can enjoyed the same by people of any age.
This book was impeccable. It struck a chord in my heart like no other book had. Looking forward to read more books by Ruskin Bond.
I always prefer fiction over non fiction, but this book is an exception.
Each story is crisp yet so deep. I couldn’t take my smile off from my face while reading the entire book. It made me placid and drenched me with a mysterious sense of serenity. Every ounce of human emotion has been put by the author into the stories.
Every story was simple and yet so special. And that is Bond’s speciality. He writes even the simplest incidents in such an engaging way, one never feels tired by his book. Rather the book relieves you of any tiredness.
It is very difficult to pick up the best story. But if I had to, I would pick ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. I read this story as one of ‘Grandfathers private zoo’ in my childhood. Reading it again brought me a sense of nostalgia. His books can enjoyed the same by people of any age.
This book was impeccable. It struck a chord in my heart like no other book had. Looking forward to read more books by Ruskin Bond.
August 10, 2020
Our Trees Still Grow In Dehra is a collection of 16 short stories by Ruskin Bond. This semi-autobiographical work contains stories from the author's life from his childhood to the present. The book beautifully narrates the incidents that the author experienced in his life and the time he spent in touch with nature. The memories he shared about his childhood friends, grandparents and pets at their home, the changing picture of their town with progressing time give a feeling of nostalgia. A story called "untouchable" from this book was written at the age of 16 by the author and was the first-ever short story written by him. It gives the idea about Mr Bond's intriguing storytelling skills since the early days of his life. The way in which Bond has portrayed the satisfaction and happiness which one can receive through the small things was an absolutely delightful experience to read.
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If you are looking for any lighthearted and relaxing book to read then I will highly recommend this book. Also, Ruskin Bond was awarded the Sahitya Academy Award in 1992 for this short story collection.
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If you are looking for any lighthearted and relaxing book to read then I will highly recommend this book. Also, Ruskin Bond was awarded the Sahitya Academy Award in 1992 for this short story collection.
March 26, 2020
This book is filled with fourteen short stories that are autobiographical in nature from the author’s childhood. All the stories are set in the hills of Dehradun where the author has spent his childhood. Ruskin bond is the only author who can describe nature in such a beautiful style. Check this website about 40 Best Ruskin Bond Books!!!
https://dailybugle.in/ruskin-bond-boo...
https://dailybugle.in/ruskin-bond-boo...
October 28, 2021
Not a review, but I was too happy to have read about Toto, the monkey, again after many many years. Felt like I had been transported to my old classroom as we turned into peels of laughter reading about Toto's antics.
September 7, 2023
"Freedom, I was beginning to realize, is something you have to insist upon"
Stories about war refugees, loss of old friends, an obsessive compulsive spirit and so many more wrapped in a typical Ruskin Bond style!
Stories about war refugees, loss of old friends, an obsessive compulsive spirit and so many more wrapped in a typical Ruskin Bond style!
August 27, 2020
A cheerful read!
January 7, 2021
Vintage Ruskin. Fantastic characters, fantastic stories made alive by Ruskin’s easy-flowing prose. I stopped and smiled at several places reliving my own childhood memories one more time.
September 20, 2023
I love it. l love his small sentence and mindful writing style. So l would continue reading the writer all books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
Such a peaceful setting for the stories and profound picturization, that one can very easily be tricked into believing he/she is living the story.
One of my favourites!!
One of my favourites!!
March 7, 2019
Escape from Java, The Last Tonga ride, Binya Passes by, The Bent Double Beggar are some of must read stories with lots of inspiring 'quotes' and relatable emotions incidents. And Ganpath's teaching are simply awesome.
'If one is present when a loved one, dies or sees him dead and laid out and later buried, one is convinced of the finality of the thing and finds it easier to adapt to the changed circumstances, But when you hear of a death, and have only the faint idea of the manner of the dying, it is rather a lot for the imagination to cop with.'
‘You asked me, that is the important thing. What does it matter if I did not come?
You wanted me there, amongst your rich friends. That knowledge gave me all the
refreshment I needed.’
'You must work for your dream and move towards it all the time, and discard all those things that come in the ways of finding it, and then if you don't expect too much too quickly, you'll find your freedom, your room of your own. The difficult time comes afterwords as it is so easy to lose it all.'
'If all the trouble in the world could be laid down in one big heap, and everyone was allowed to choose one trouble, we should end up by picking up our old trouble again.'
'He taught me to see not only the snake, but the path taken by the snake, the beauty of its movements; both the nature of the snake and the nature of the path.'
'One can forgive ignorance in a man who has had little or no education; but ignorance in a man who has been to college is unforgivable.'
'It isn’t action but pleasure that binds us to existence.'
'It is difficult to be miserable all the time. Human nature won’t permit it. Even when
we are burning or burying our dead, we are thinking of what we will eat or drink later
in the day.'
'Chance gives, and takes away, and gives again.'
'If you must eat dung, eat elephant's dung.'
' For democracy to succeed, the first requirement is that majority of people should be honest.'
'Live long,my friend, be wise and strong,
But do not take from any man his song.'
'Wherever you go or whatever you do,most of your life will have to happen in your mind. And there's no escape from that little room!'
' The leaf brushed against my face as it floated down, but before it could reach the ground I caught and held it. I studied the leaf, running my fingers over its smooth, glossy texture. Then I put out my hand and touched the rough bark of the tree and this felt good to me.'
'If one is present when a loved one, dies or sees him dead and laid out and later buried, one is convinced of the finality of the thing and finds it easier to adapt to the changed circumstances, But when you hear of a death, and have only the faint idea of the manner of the dying, it is rather a lot for the imagination to cop with.'
‘You asked me, that is the important thing. What does it matter if I did not come?
You wanted me there, amongst your rich friends. That knowledge gave me all the
refreshment I needed.’
'You must work for your dream and move towards it all the time, and discard all those things that come in the ways of finding it, and then if you don't expect too much too quickly, you'll find your freedom, your room of your own. The difficult time comes afterwords as it is so easy to lose it all.'
'If all the trouble in the world could be laid down in one big heap, and everyone was allowed to choose one trouble, we should end up by picking up our old trouble again.'
'He taught me to see not only the snake, but the path taken by the snake, the beauty of its movements; both the nature of the snake and the nature of the path.'
'One can forgive ignorance in a man who has had little or no education; but ignorance in a man who has been to college is unforgivable.'
'It isn’t action but pleasure that binds us to existence.'
'It is difficult to be miserable all the time. Human nature won’t permit it. Even when
we are burning or burying our dead, we are thinking of what we will eat or drink later
in the day.'
'Chance gives, and takes away, and gives again.'
'If you must eat dung, eat elephant's dung.'
' For democracy to succeed, the first requirement is that majority of people should be honest.'
'Live long,my friend, be wise and strong,
But do not take from any man his song.'
'Wherever you go or whatever you do,most of your life will have to happen in your mind. And there's no escape from that little room!'
' The leaf brushed against my face as it floated down, but before it could reach the ground I caught and held it. I studied the leaf, running my fingers over its smooth, glossy texture. Then I put out my hand and touched the rough bark of the tree and this felt good to me.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2017
What do you do when you visit a place for holidays? Do you search for books? Then welcome to my world!
I visited my in-laws place last month and at first glance, all I noticed in the book shelves were bulky and thick books of war and bygone eras which got me intimidated. For your information - I am the one who usually prefers to read light fiction unless it is a murder mystery. However, my holidays are supposed to be perfect only when I complete at least 3-4 books. And lo and behold, there was this book Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra by Ruskin Bond. And out of all points already mentioned, just imagine my happiness since I was reading this book in Dehradun itself.
(Read more book reviews at my blog Ethereal Jinxed)
Even though I had heard a lot about Ruskin Bond, I had somehow never read any of his books. So without further ado, I picked this light book (weight-wise) and immediately gave it a go. And what an absolute delight this was to read. I completed it in 3 hours straight. This book, in fact, reminded me of Jungle Book series I had watched as a kid.
Tell me what do you know about award winning writers - that they write in such complicated statements and using such vocabulary that one has to definitely read the book in Kindle, a paperback or hard bound copy will definitely not do. Ruskin Bond writes in such a language which will directly speak to you heart and remind you of your own childhood days.
A must read book for all!
I visited my in-laws place last month and at first glance, all I noticed in the book shelves were bulky and thick books of war and bygone eras which got me intimidated. For your information - I am the one who usually prefers to read light fiction unless it is a murder mystery. However, my holidays are supposed to be perfect only when I complete at least 3-4 books. And lo and behold, there was this book Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra by Ruskin Bond. And out of all points already mentioned, just imagine my happiness since I was reading this book in Dehradun itself.
(Read more book reviews at my blog Ethereal Jinxed)
Even though I had heard a lot about Ruskin Bond, I had somehow never read any of his books. So without further ado, I picked this light book (weight-wise) and immediately gave it a go. And what an absolute delight this was to read. I completed it in 3 hours straight. This book, in fact, reminded me of Jungle Book series I had watched as a kid.
Tell me what do you know about award winning writers - that they write in such complicated statements and using such vocabulary that one has to definitely read the book in Kindle, a paperback or hard bound copy will definitely not do. Ruskin Bond writes in such a language which will directly speak to you heart and remind you of your own childhood days.
A must read book for all!
September 23, 2012
The name is Bond . . . Ruskin Bond!
Bunch of nostalgic experiences put together very well. Narrative of times, he spent in the hills of India are nice to read. He definitely has been in so much love with the hills.
My favorites are . . .Escape from Java and The Bar that time forgot
Bunch of nostalgic experiences put together very well. Narrative of times, he spent in the hills of India are nice to read. He definitely has been in so much love with the hills.
My favorites are . . .Escape from Java and The Bar that time forgot
February 20, 2014
It's absolutely worth the time leafing through the pages of 'Our trees still grow in Dehra'. The stories are simple and convincing. The short stories were too charismatic that I’m done reading the book in a day. Although the short stories had mixed themes, each of them exulted the beauty of nature.
October 14, 2014
Trust Bond to turn your life into prose with his writings. This time I was in the mountains with his recount of stories in Dehra with characters from nature,his past and journeys right from Burma to England. Its amazing what you can do with simple writing.
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