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Dust on the Mountain
Ruskin Bond wrote his first short story; ‘Untouchable’; at the age of sixteen over hundred stories; including the classics ‘A Face in Dark’; ’The Kitemaker’; ‘The Tunnel’; ‘The Room if many Colours’; ‘Dust on the Mountain’; and ‘Times Stops at Shamli’. This volume brings together the best of all the short fiction Ruskin Bond has ever written.
‘[Ruskin Bond’s stories]’ brings to life the special flavours of life in the hills…strengthen[s] the “Rudyardian thesis” that the smell of the Himalayas; if it once creeps into the blood of a man; he will return to the hills again and again and will love to live and lie among them.’-Tribune
‘[Ruskin Bond]’ is a writer who has; with intense depth and sensitivity; absorbed the essence of the culturally syncretic Indian society.’-Telegraph
‘[Ruskin Bond’s stories]’ brings to life the special flavours of life in the hills…strengthen[s] the “Rudyardian thesis” that the smell of the Himalayas; if it once creeps into the blood of a man; he will return to the hills again and again and will love to live and lie among them.’-Tribune
‘[Ruskin Bond]’ is a writer who has; with intense depth and sensitivity; absorbed the essence of the culturally syncretic Indian society.’-Telegraph
623 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
49 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
681 books3,564 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 37 reviews
April 10, 2018
Bond'ishly simple.
July 12, 2016
As a storyteller, Ruskin Bond does not really break new ground. His stories are simple and are more of observations on the foibles of human nature than high flying linguistic acrobatics. If you were to put a monocle on one eye and did a critical analysis of these stories for depth, ingenuity and so on you might come away dissatisfied. What it does have instead is a very deep appreciation of nature and its denizens. Bond excels when it comes to talking about the mountains and the forests and how they are changing in the face of ever advancing human population. It is easy to picture Bond as a slightly older man sitting and watching the world go by and nodding his head at the inanities of the rat race of life.
The mist surrounds you as you wake up and sip your morning tea and the Sun struggles to break through this cold blanket surrounding the hills. Finally when the shafts of light do arrive on earth, it is lapped up eagerly by the valleys and the trees. A delightful chorus of bird sounds break the silence and the first of humanity starts going around its business. A valley which slowly emerges from the mist is a sight for sore eyes and not one that will be easily forgotten. I have seen such sights a couple of times and they have been absolutely beautiful. The landscape in most of Bond’s stories are the hill stations and the mountains. The birds feature most prominently in the stories and so do the horses, the ponies, the mules, the langurs, the foxes and the occasional leopard or the tiger too. After a while I chose to leave behind the fact that the stories weren’t all that great but the description of nature is bewitching. Bond would have made a fantastic nature writer.
There is a sense of familiarity that these stories brought about for me and that made them extremely endearing.
The mist surrounds you as you wake up and sip your morning tea and the Sun struggles to break through this cold blanket surrounding the hills. Finally when the shafts of light do arrive on earth, it is lapped up eagerly by the valleys and the trees. A delightful chorus of bird sounds break the silence and the first of humanity starts going around its business. A valley which slowly emerges from the mist is a sight for sore eyes and not one that will be easily forgotten. I have seen such sights a couple of times and they have been absolutely beautiful. The landscape in most of Bond’s stories are the hill stations and the mountains. The birds feature most prominently in the stories and so do the horses, the ponies, the mules, the langurs, the foxes and the occasional leopard or the tiger too. After a while I chose to leave behind the fact that the stories weren’t all that great but the description of nature is bewitching. Bond would have made a fantastic nature writer.
There is a sense of familiarity that these stories brought about for me and that made them extremely endearing.
January 22, 2016
Oh my god, I cannot believe I have finished reading this book, this book contains many stories from Ruskin Bond and believe me, it goes on and on and on. (its a 600 page mind you!)
I took so much of time reading, re-reading these stories that, I never realized 10 days were over in between. Savoring a few stories each day. I wonder how many of them I had read as a kid, well, not many I guess, never mind.
I fell in love with each and every story in a way, which I can only imagine! I have been to Uttarakhand, trekked in the Himalayas, I have been close to the hills, Mussorie, drove through Doon (Dehradun) on an early morning, been to Doon airport (Jolly Grant), been to Harshil, Gangotri, Hrishikesh and few other places Ruskin Bond mentions.
Truly, even before there was James Bond, there was a Bond who is long forgotten, that is A.A. Bond. Aubrey Alexander Bond, Ruskin Bond's father.
Few of the stories have themes revolving around Ruskin Bond himself.
- Growing up as a kid
- His parents separation,
- His father's priced stamp collection (which he could sell for money and make profits)
- His father's sickness, then his stepfather, his grandmother who was afraid of white ponies
- His ancestor's bungalow, which they sold somewhere in 1950's
- His childhood friends who turned out to be in the army, air-force
- Time he spent in England and his friends and encounters with Kipling!
- How once peaceful Doon is now a crowded place.
- A (rather rare) story on partition, leaving its after effects on his split up with his childhood friend.
Ruskin Bond leaves no stones un-turned in explaining how amazing the Indian hillside was during the early part of the 20th century. Some stories include ghost theme, few others on Anglo Indians, encounters with wild animals.
Having been to the hills, I can only feel jealous of Mr Bond, who got to spend so much time amidst these hills, doing what he loved to do, that is writing. That is my friend real independence. It feels so delightful reading these stories. The charm of good old days can surely be visualized by reading them.
I guess one must truly visit Bond's state which is Uttarakhand and then you can see, the true magic which these stories reveal and the way one connects with these stories, the same way, one connects with mother nature. Take a bow Mr Bond.
Rating 5/5 - can visit this again anytime.
Cheers,
I took so much of time reading, re-reading these stories that, I never realized 10 days were over in between. Savoring a few stories each day. I wonder how many of them I had read as a kid, well, not many I guess, never mind.
I fell in love with each and every story in a way, which I can only imagine! I have been to Uttarakhand, trekked in the Himalayas, I have been close to the hills, Mussorie, drove through Doon (Dehradun) on an early morning, been to Doon airport (Jolly Grant), been to Harshil, Gangotri, Hrishikesh and few other places Ruskin Bond mentions.
Truly, even before there was James Bond, there was a Bond who is long forgotten, that is A.A. Bond. Aubrey Alexander Bond, Ruskin Bond's father.
Few of the stories have themes revolving around Ruskin Bond himself.
- Growing up as a kid
- His parents separation,
- His father's priced stamp collection (which he could sell for money and make profits)
- His father's sickness, then his stepfather, his grandmother who was afraid of white ponies
- His ancestor's bungalow, which they sold somewhere in 1950's
- His childhood friends who turned out to be in the army, air-force
- Time he spent in England and his friends and encounters with Kipling!
- How once peaceful Doon is now a crowded place.
- A (rather rare) story on partition, leaving its after effects on his split up with his childhood friend.
Ruskin Bond leaves no stones un-turned in explaining how amazing the Indian hillside was during the early part of the 20th century. Some stories include ghost theme, few others on Anglo Indians, encounters with wild animals.
Having been to the hills, I can only feel jealous of Mr Bond, who got to spend so much time amidst these hills, doing what he loved to do, that is writing. That is my friend real independence. It feels so delightful reading these stories. The charm of good old days can surely be visualized by reading them.
I guess one must truly visit Bond's state which is Uttarakhand and then you can see, the true magic which these stories reveal and the way one connects with these stories, the same way, one connects with mother nature. Take a bow Mr Bond.
Rating 5/5 - can visit this again anytime.
Cheers,
April 2, 2014
Barring a few amazing stories, this was largely passable. Parts of stories were repeated in other stories, oh this is pure laziness.
I couldn't help notice the tones of pedophilia in his stories. Awkward!
Animal stories with a happy ending, unfulfilled love stories, stories portraying his mommy issues (oh so many of them), the paranormal ones were decent followed by more pedophilia undertone, a clear pattern to his stories.
But the mountain/forest love echoes through the book and that is always refreshing to read.
Enough of Ruskin Bond for me.
I couldn't help notice the tones of pedophilia in his stories. Awkward!
Animal stories with a happy ending, unfulfilled love stories, stories portraying his mommy issues (oh so many of them), the paranormal ones were decent followed by more pedophilia undertone, a clear pattern to his stories.
But the mountain/forest love echoes through the book and that is always refreshing to read.
Enough of Ruskin Bond for me.
September 6, 2020
It's a large book containing short stories and essays of all sorts. Being a fan of Ruskin Bond, I have enjoyed the book thoroughly.
September 29, 2014
This is a set of diverse, colourful stories that are mostly centred around a couple of memories. It awes me to see how much detail he puts in each of the elements, taking us back to an India that was not worried about fortune and future. The pages are filled with love, nature and beauty.
March 3, 2013
Quintessential Ruskin Bond - reading his stories over the past 24 years now. This one takes me back to the good old times, when life was simple and people had more time than money.
November 22, 2021
I have always loved reading Ruskin bond's beautiful collection of short stories. They make me feel happily giddy on the insides even when I am feeling blue & dying on the insides. For me, reading them is the simple cure for my blue mundane days. With the same thought, I picked up this book last night plus it had been on my TBR for quite some time now so of course, I had to do so.
Coming back to the book it is going to be a mini-post review that would be more in awe of a tale set in the small village of Uttrakhand where there is a looming drought and the central protagonist Bisnu, a 12-year-old boy, plans to travel to Mussoorie to help his mother and sister.
It is an enthusiastic narrative of adversity in which Ruskin Bond emphasizes the value of hard labor and the basic kindness of human nature. It also conveys a vital powerful message of tree preservation and the reality of tree deforestation in our ecosystem. The graphics by Anita Balachandran make it a colorful read for both youngsters and adults.
Please read this novel and fall in love with its brevity.
Coming back to the book it is going to be a mini-post review that would be more in awe of a tale set in the small village of Uttrakhand where there is a looming drought and the central protagonist Bisnu, a 12-year-old boy, plans to travel to Mussoorie to help his mother and sister.
It is an enthusiastic narrative of adversity in which Ruskin Bond emphasizes the value of hard labor and the basic kindness of human nature. It also conveys a vital powerful message of tree preservation and the reality of tree deforestation in our ecosystem. The graphics by Anita Balachandran make it a colorful read for both youngsters and adults.
Please read this novel and fall in love with its brevity.
June 13, 2020
An exceptional collection of stories in different genre from the master storyteller. I had read many of the stories before but was never bored reading them again.
The stories many of which are based on the hilly regions of dehradun. The writing for one brings to life all that the author wants us to see, which is surely Ruskin Bond's forte, the narrative style.
Many of the stories made me feel jealous of his wandering to the plains or hills. The life he lead makes one feel how contented he must have been even in his loneliness.
Ruskin Bond is surely for all seasons and hoping to read all his stories one day.
The stories many of which are based on the hilly regions of dehradun. The writing for one brings to life all that the author wants us to see, which is surely Ruskin Bond's forte, the narrative style.
Many of the stories made me feel jealous of his wandering to the plains or hills. The life he lead makes one feel how contented he must have been even in his loneliness.
Ruskin Bond is surely for all seasons and hoping to read all his stories one day.
May 26, 2018
This is a wonderful collection of stories. Binya, Hassan the wrestler, then the kitemaker story, Miss Mackenzie, Kamla the girlfriend from 20's, grandfather and it goes on & on. The story yet being only a few pages takes you along with the characters in them.
This book has been my companion for my travel days since 4 months. Finishing a story, yet reading it again on the next journey, i couldn't put this book away.
This book has been my companion for my travel days since 4 months. Finishing a story, yet reading it again on the next journey, i couldn't put this book away.
March 26, 2020
This book is a set of amazing, colourful stories that are mostly revolves around a couple of memories. It awes me to see how much detail Ruskin bond puts in each of the elements, taking us back to the time when India was not worried about fortune and future. The story is filled with love, nature and beauty. Check this article about 40 Best Ruskin Bond Books! https://dailybugle.in/ruskin-bond-boo...
September 7, 2020
It's always a pleasure and nostalgic to think of your home in Himalayas. Ruskin Bond only makes it more difficult by taking you through those experiences carefully dissected untill you start dreaming of home in the hills or feel the heaviness in your heart for what you have left behind. Indeed, if you are born or have lived amongst those mountains, you will return there to die. I surely will. There is no other home where I would lay myself down. Devbhoomi 🙏
February 21, 2018
Any fan of Ruskin Bond would love this book. And anyone who is yet to get introduced to this author, I would recommend starting with this one. The stories with their remarkable simplicity will definitely touch you somewhere, as you spontaneously get to connect with its multitude of characters.
For the love of mountains :)
For the love of mountains :)
March 14, 2019
Well i have finished this book within One hour. Short stories are totally my kinda choice and when it’s Ruskin Bond’s short stories then there has no doubts it will be a great book. Illustration inside the book has weaved the story beautifully. This is a story of Bisnu and his struggle to get job and getting back to his village. Loved the illustration part mostly.
September 21, 2020
The story shows the difficulties Bisnu faces as his native village experiences a lack of rain and he has to come work in Mussorie.The latter part of the story is also found as The Last Truck Ride in one of sir's collection. The illustration interlaces well with the narration.
October 6, 2021
Ok so this book may feel little less interesting in the starting but the ending is quite good and the story is short and decent .... so if u wanna know about the story then u can give this book a try....
P.S. - Its a book mostly for beginners
P.S. - Its a book mostly for beginners
November 20, 2018
This book is a Story of Ruskin Bond that depict simple lives of people in mountains for the young readers with color illustrations.
April 30, 2019
More of memoirs than short stories
July 31, 2021
The is a great contemporary. It could be read in a single sitting. I read the illustrated version and the illustrations were amazing.
February 16, 2022
The book has some nice short sories, taking you to a hilly Dehra region. Ruskin Bond is one author you can't get enough of. Best for a daily bedtime reading routine.
July 17, 2023
Easy peesy book…
June 1, 2025
The stories were surprising and interesting. It described India in a very different light. A light of nature and details that take you elsewhere.
(The supernatural element was not expected)
(The supernatural element was not expected)
February 2, 2017
This book is about how a little boy does so much for his family. He struggles so much for his family, while making friends at the same time. All because he loves his family.
January 28, 2017
A great read for those who would like to travel back in time and relive the nostalgia of their childhood days. Probably the one area where this book seems unattractive is the constant connection and reconnection between the stories which makes it difficult to keep track. A good read overall if you are not wanting to be too critical of the great writer.
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August 12, 2025I plan to start my year by reading Ruskin Bond’s book. He never disappoints me. The story is light-hearted and gives me the feeling of being in my childhood again. Even after completing the book, I keep telling the story to my mom, who also loves it. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to take a break from reality and relive a peaceful childhood.❤️❤️
October 4, 2014
first you read a story. then you think about it -'there's nothing in this story' . but still you want more and you go to the next story. and then you come back to start over again. can't have enough of it.
December 18, 2015
Dust on the mountain is a compilation of stories of the soil. These little tales have an earthy gravitational pull to them which keep pulling the reader back to the simplicity of words that inhabit these pages. Just like his characters, Ruskin Bond's words breathe...
June 8, 2016
RUSKIN BOND is a very good writer i have read all of his published books and loved it .this book is a 5 star book .
I L O V E D T H I S B O O K
I L O V E D T H I S B O O K
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2013
Best short stories i ever read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews