Long Live, Mr. Bond!

There are few things in life which hold the power to take us to our childhood. Apart from real childhood places and old friends, stories and words of some books are definitely one such thing. Whenever 90s kids talk about childhood, I am sure that the name of Mr. Ruskin Bond will emerge automatically. ?

For the world, Bond may mean 007 James Bond. But for an average Indian reader, it would always mean Mr. Ruskin Bond.

My failed effort to meet Mr. Bond

In fact, I cherish his name so much that in my last travel to Mussoorie, I made it a point to stay near his house only. He lives in Landour with a great view of the valley from his balcony. I stayed in Lal Tibba which was only few kilometers from his house. I even wish to meet him in person in the famous bookstore he used to visit but his visits are not happening after COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s ok as everyone can meet him through his books

I still remember that May is his birthday month. And every visit to any Crossword chain store would be a wonderful time as a separate section used to be dedicated to him with his books. In one such occasion, I came across a gem – “The Room on the Roof”.

This book was special for his fans, because it was his first novel. In other words, this book initiated the journey of Making of Mr. Bond. He wrote this when he was 17. After reading it, I can say that this book is probably the best of all by Mr. Bond.

A wonderful biographical book

The genesis of this book is simply beautiful as it gives a sneak into his personal life. This book shares his childhood story when he was living in Mussoorie with his guardians. He actually used to write journals about his daily fun and adventurous routine which later got converted into this mini novel. This book was finally drafted when he shifted to London but his longing for India got converted into the words and a story. After all, his soul was, is and will be in India only.

This book is special because it was written by an adolescent about his adolescence years. Even Mr. Bond never changed a word or made any revisions to the original manuscript.

As I mentioned earlier, this book holds the gateway to our carefree childhood. When it narrates the incident of meeting new people and converting them into friends, playing Holi colors for the very first time with water balloons, eating Golgappas in the Dehradun market or getting drunk with friends, it is all as if the whole childhood flashes again in front of our eyes. In fact, a major portion of my childhood was spent in Uttarkashi which is only a few hours away from Dehradun. That’s why his words on hills, valleys, flowers and nature is immensely relatable to me.

Mr. Bond is a genius

It seems as if only Mr. Bond can crack the code of philosophy of life in the most simplistic manner. There are a few excerpts from the book to prove this.

A lesson on life - ??????????????????????????????

“Gratitude was taken for granted; in true friendship there are no formalities and no obligations.”

A take on nature –

“The infection of spring spread simultaneously through the world of man and the world of nature and made them one.”

A remark on human –

“A happy person notices everything.”

This post was supposed to be the book review but got converted into an expression of admiration for Mr. Bond. I guess now the world would never be able to read my review on this book (oops!).

No problem, the readers can read thyself.