I started reading when I was 17 years old. Since then I have been a voracious reader of fiction. But after all these years when I look back, I find it strange that I have read only a few books written by Indian authors in English. And that spell broke only during the pandemic. Since I could not go out or order new books, I turned towards my little book shelf that has handful of a collection. That was how I stumbled upon Ruskin Bond. I had two books of him which I had bought in 2013. I knew the year because I had written it down on the book.
Honestly, he just blew me away with his stories that were drawn up from life experiences and what a fine writing it was….Just like honey dripping from the comb. It had a sort of lyrical nature to it. The writing was simple yet profound.
As the name of the book indicates, this book is certainly a potpourri.
It means a bowl with a mixture of petals of dried flowers, leaves and spices. This was put together to create a pleasant smell in the room. Just like that his short stories also has a mix of intrigue, mystery, romance to create a pleasant and memorable reading experience. He could indeed create such an experience for the reader.
As I already pointed out, this book is a compilation of his short stories and a small book that you could read at a stretch. But I would advise you to take it slow and savour all those emotions each of these stories evoke in you.
If you ask me which of them my favourite were, I would say ‘A Face in the Dark’, ‘A Job well done’, The Girl on the train’, ‘Susanna’s seven Husbands’
Why? …
Because these short stories let me have their share of mystery and intrigue. And I am a great lover of books that could evoke in you, some kind of curiosity which could put you on the edge of your seat.
Most of these stories are written in the first person narrative. And the stories will take you along with his various phases of life. Here, you could meet him as a boy, in his adolescence and also as an adult. There are other stories that have been drawn out of course, from his imagination.
There are poems too based on imagination and even facts. Anybody could read them and understand.
Prior to reading Bond, I have never been a nature lover.
I mean….
Neither did I appreciate nature nor did my focus fall on the nature. I was quite oblivious to the nature around me which was quite sad. For me, Ruskin Bond’s books just opened a whole new world where nature became a significant part. Not only that, he made me look for more books written by Indian authors. His books made me fall in love with Shimla, Mussorie and other Himalayan regions.
Certainly, this is one of my favourite collection of short stories.
Please let me know if you have read any of his books.
- Shalet Jimmy
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