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A Flight of Pigeons
A Flight of Pigeons by Ruskin Bond
The Novel starts with the death of the father of Ruth Labadoor in front of her eyes in a church. This murder is committed by the Indian rebels who are a part of the 1857 mutiny and who have decided to kill all the Britishers of the small town Shahjahanpur. It is then that Mariam Labadoor, who is the mother of the narrator, Ruth Labadoor comes into action. She takes their entire family of 6 to their trusted friend Lala Ramjimal who keeps them at his home and gives them the maximum security and shelter he can give. The Pathan leader Javed Khan comes to know that there are a few foreigners living in Lala's home and he suddenly comes into their house and forcefully takes away Ruth and Mariam Labadoor to his home. The rest of the book is followed by the various happening in the Labadoor family, who are very warmly welcomed by different family members of Javed Khan. But, Javed Khan himself is a cunning man and he pleads to marry Ruth Labadoor. Mariam saves her daughter many times as she does not want her to marry Javed Khan. She keeps a condition that if the British are able to take on the country once again, then she would not let him marry her daughter and if they lose to the rebels, then she would give her daughter to him. The British are able to take hold of the country and Javed Khan is killed in one of the fights with the British. With lots of help and support, the Labadoor family finally reach their relatives.
The Novel starts with the death of the father of Ruth Labadoor in front of her eyes in a church. This murder is committed by the Indian rebels who are a part of the 1857 mutiny and who have decided to kill all the Britishers of the small town Shahjahanpur. It is then that Mariam Labadoor, who is the mother of the narrator, Ruth Labadoor comes into action. She takes their entire family of 6 to their trusted friend Lala Ramjimal who keeps them at his home and gives them the maximum security and shelter he can give. The Pathan leader Javed Khan comes to know that there are a few foreigners living in Lala's home and he suddenly comes into their house and forcefully takes away Ruth and Mariam Labadoor to his home. The rest of the book is followed by the various happening in the Labadoor family, who are very warmly welcomed by different family members of Javed Khan. But, Javed Khan himself is a cunning man and he pleads to marry Ruth Labadoor. Mariam saves her daughter many times as she does not want her to marry Javed Khan. She keeps a condition that if the British are able to take on the country once again, then she would not let him marry her daughter and if they lose to the rebels, then she would give her daughter to him. The British are able to take hold of the country and Javed Khan is killed in one of the fights with the British. With lots of help and support, the Labadoor family finally reach their relatives.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1980
84 people are currently reading
1985 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
680 books3,557 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 103 reviews
October 28, 2014
I like Ruskin Bond for two reasons. One his local depth on subject and second as if he was there while it happened. He writes about things and places as if he has lived there. It appears he doesn’t wield them out of thin air but sees them forming and shaping and then puts them on paper. Let me explain when I am reading his stories and start imagining characters, towns, hills, cities, people, houses the way he describes them.. and in midst of all this I see Ruskin as a mute spectator observing and absorbing the story and its nuances. Now that is a rare thing that any author can make you feel. Can you imagine Rowling standing while Harry Potter is being acted out or Rabindranath Tagore when Choker Bali comes to life in your imagination. At least I did not. But that’s what makes Ruskin Bond. He doesn’t chance or impact the plot, he is only an audience and that itself adds to the presentation of the story. I have never felt that even being an audience can add to the story but that’s what Ruskin does.
January 18, 2017
This cannot be a Ruskin Bond book. No, really! There is not even a single page which looks like written by him.
But still a good novella on the plight of a British family residing in India during the mutiny of 1857.
Loved the British survivor's point of view and narration amidst all that violence and turbulence.
Didn't like the latter half which dragged ... in spite of being a novella!
Straight plain narration. No humour. No depth of characters. No twists and turns.
Don't pick this if you want to read a signature Ruskin Bond book.
Otherwise a decent read.
But still a good novella on the plight of a British family residing in India during the mutiny of 1857.
Loved the British survivor's point of view and narration amidst all that violence and turbulence.
Didn't like the latter half which dragged ... in spite of being a novella!
Straight plain narration. No humour. No depth of characters. No twists and turns.
Don't pick this if you want to read a signature Ruskin Bond book.
Otherwise a decent read.
December 16, 2017
Set in British-India Shahjahanpur, Flight of Pigeons is the story of Ruth Labadoor and how her English family survived the mutiny of 1857 when the locals waged a war against the Firangis. The English were captured and slaughtered with an aim to overthrow the British rule in India. It is rich in detail and drama, told with simplicity and deep humanity, in the style Bond is famous for.
December 10, 2025
With Ruskin Bond. The Man who gave me so much,,,,
A Flight of Pigeons is one of Ruskin Bond’s most powerful historical novellas, set against the turbulent backdrop of the Indian Uprising of 1857.
Unlike Bond’s typically lighthearted children’s stories, this work is more mature and emotionally layered, exploring the fragility of innocence during violent times.
Adapted into the acclaimed film Junoon, the novella stands tall as one of Bond’s most nuanced explorations of human nature under pressure.
The story follows Ruth Labadoor, a young Anglo-Indian girl, whose father is killed in an attack on the church in Shahjahanpur. She and her family are forced to take shelter with Lala Ramjimal, a compassionate local merchant, before being taken captive by Javed Khan, a Pathan nobleman driven by complex motivations—desire, political fervour, and deeply ingrained notions of honour.
Bond’s portrayal of Ruth is delicate yet strong. Her innocence becomes a lens through which the reader witnesses chaos, fear, and hope.
The narrative tone is restrained, avoiding melodrama despite the brutality of the setting. Instead, Bond focuses on the emotional landscapes of captivity—the shifting relationships, the unspoken fears, and the moral tensions that arise when personal desire collides with political upheaval.
Javed Khan emerges as one of Bond’s most conflicted characters. He is not a simple villain. His obsession with Ruth stems not from cruelty but from a misguided sense of entitlement shaped by his cultural environment.
Bond writes him with remarkable psychological nuance.
Even as his actions create danger, he evokes both fear and pity. His household—especially his strong-willed wife, Zainab—adds surprising humour and humanity to the narrative.
What elevates the novella is Bond’s ability to depict history not through grand battle scenes but through intimate human interactions. Instead of armies and political strategies, he writes about the interior lives of people struggling to stay human amidst violence.
Bond avoids taking sides; he portrays both British and Indian characters with empathy and moral complexity. His treatment of the 1857 uprising is neither romanticised nor vilified; it is deeply human.
The descriptions of the era are vivid but not overwhelming. Bond sketches Shahjahanpur with its narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, and simmering tensions. He brings to life the fragrance of food, the sound of horses, and the anxiety-laced whispers inside houses where families hide.
The historical setting feels tangible, yet it never overshadows the emotional narrative.
Despite the grim context, the novella contains flashes of warmth—small acts of kindness that shine through the darkness. Lala Ramjimal’s courage, the protective support of the servants, and the quiet companionship Ruth shares with her mother—these details create emotional anchors. They prevent the narrative from becoming purely tragic, reminding the reader of human resilience.
The conclusion of the story is both dramatic and heartbreaking, yet Bond delivers it with gentleness.
The final events underline the futility of violence and the fragility of human attachments during times of upheaval.
Ruth’s escape, the fate of Javed Khan, and the emotional aftermath all linger long after the story ends.
In this book, Bond proves his mastery beyond children’s literature. This novella blends history, psychology, and emotional depth with exceptional skill.
It remains one of his most unforgettable works, both for its narrative tension and its quiet, poignant humanity.
Most recommended.
A Flight of Pigeons is one of Ruskin Bond’s most powerful historical novellas, set against the turbulent backdrop of the Indian Uprising of 1857.
Unlike Bond’s typically lighthearted children’s stories, this work is more mature and emotionally layered, exploring the fragility of innocence during violent times.
Adapted into the acclaimed film Junoon, the novella stands tall as one of Bond’s most nuanced explorations of human nature under pressure.
The story follows Ruth Labadoor, a young Anglo-Indian girl, whose father is killed in an attack on the church in Shahjahanpur. She and her family are forced to take shelter with Lala Ramjimal, a compassionate local merchant, before being taken captive by Javed Khan, a Pathan nobleman driven by complex motivations—desire, political fervour, and deeply ingrained notions of honour.
Bond’s portrayal of Ruth is delicate yet strong. Her innocence becomes a lens through which the reader witnesses chaos, fear, and hope.
The narrative tone is restrained, avoiding melodrama despite the brutality of the setting. Instead, Bond focuses on the emotional landscapes of captivity—the shifting relationships, the unspoken fears, and the moral tensions that arise when personal desire collides with political upheaval.
Javed Khan emerges as one of Bond’s most conflicted characters. He is not a simple villain. His obsession with Ruth stems not from cruelty but from a misguided sense of entitlement shaped by his cultural environment.
Bond writes him with remarkable psychological nuance.
Even as his actions create danger, he evokes both fear and pity. His household—especially his strong-willed wife, Zainab—adds surprising humour and humanity to the narrative.
What elevates the novella is Bond’s ability to depict history not through grand battle scenes but through intimate human interactions. Instead of armies and political strategies, he writes about the interior lives of people struggling to stay human amidst violence.
Bond avoids taking sides; he portrays both British and Indian characters with empathy and moral complexity. His treatment of the 1857 uprising is neither romanticised nor vilified; it is deeply human.
The descriptions of the era are vivid but not overwhelming. Bond sketches Shahjahanpur with its narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, and simmering tensions. He brings to life the fragrance of food, the sound of horses, and the anxiety-laced whispers inside houses where families hide.
The historical setting feels tangible, yet it never overshadows the emotional narrative.
Despite the grim context, the novella contains flashes of warmth—small acts of kindness that shine through the darkness. Lala Ramjimal’s courage, the protective support of the servants, and the quiet companionship Ruth shares with her mother—these details create emotional anchors. They prevent the narrative from becoming purely tragic, reminding the reader of human resilience.
The conclusion of the story is both dramatic and heartbreaking, yet Bond delivers it with gentleness.
The final events underline the futility of violence and the fragility of human attachments during times of upheaval.
Ruth’s escape, the fate of Javed Khan, and the emotional aftermath all linger long after the story ends.
In this book, Bond proves his mastery beyond children’s literature. This novella blends history, psychology, and emotional depth with exceptional skill.
It remains one of his most unforgettable works, both for its narrative tension and its quiet, poignant humanity.
Most recommended.
September 22, 2020
You know the feeling of finding treasure? The feeling you have when you get a surprise gift? The feeling when something completely unexpected happens and sweeps you off your feet? Well, that's the feeling I had while reading 'A Flight Of Pigeons' precisely because I had no idea whatsoever, what this book was about but what it is about and Bond's writing took me by surprise. I loved this short read for reasons more than one.
Bond wrote this in 2002 as an introduction to this book. It was the year, Gujarat riots happened. What he wrote is as follows:
"I published this account as a novella about thirty years ago. I feel it still has some relevance today, when communal strife and religious intolerance threaten the lives and livelihood of innocent, law-abiding people. It was Pascal who wrote: 'Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.' Fortunately for civilization, there are exceptions."
Every time I think I can't love Ruskin Bond more, he gives me a reason to. The paragraph I have quoted is more relevant than ever, in the times we are living (specifically for the Indian subcontinent). Since the last 6 years, every single day has been all about it and every time religion based violence breaks out, it will be just as relevant.
'A Flight Of Pigeons' is a book about the Mutiny of 1857, set in Shahjahanpur. It's about how when Ruth Labadoor's father, a clerk in the British magistrate's office is killed and how her family seeks refuge with a trusted companion named Lala Ramjilal from where they think and hope to escape to Bareilly but fate takes an untoward turn and a fervent and ill-tempered Pathan abducts Ruth and her mother and what follows. The book is based on true events and is haunting to say the least.
This book is nothing like any of the other Ruskin Bond books. It's grim, racy, heavy and poignant, all at the same time. It's unputdownable, to say the least. There are only undertones of Bond's writing which makes the book even more interesting. It leaves you with a sad- happy feeling.
I definitely recommend it!
Bond wrote this in 2002 as an introduction to this book. It was the year, Gujarat riots happened. What he wrote is as follows:
"I published this account as a novella about thirty years ago. I feel it still has some relevance today, when communal strife and religious intolerance threaten the lives and livelihood of innocent, law-abiding people. It was Pascal who wrote: 'Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.' Fortunately for civilization, there are exceptions."
Every time I think I can't love Ruskin Bond more, he gives me a reason to. The paragraph I have quoted is more relevant than ever, in the times we are living (specifically for the Indian subcontinent). Since the last 6 years, every single day has been all about it and every time religion based violence breaks out, it will be just as relevant.
'A Flight Of Pigeons' is a book about the Mutiny of 1857, set in Shahjahanpur. It's about how when Ruth Labadoor's father, a clerk in the British magistrate's office is killed and how her family seeks refuge with a trusted companion named Lala Ramjilal from where they think and hope to escape to Bareilly but fate takes an untoward turn and a fervent and ill-tempered Pathan abducts Ruth and her mother and what follows. The book is based on true events and is haunting to say the least.
This book is nothing like any of the other Ruskin Bond books. It's grim, racy, heavy and poignant, all at the same time. It's unputdownable, to say the least. There are only undertones of Bond's writing which makes the book even more interesting. It leaves you with a sad- happy feeling.
I definitely recommend it!
June 1, 2016
The author claims that the theme of the novella is a true story. In the section in the book named “Notes”, several news items are quoted from late nineteenth century to validate this claim. The fight for one nation’s liberation becomes the cause for a family’s tribulation. The Commentator feels that any reader would race down through these pages until the end of the book just to see if the family survives the pathans and native rebels during their run for life. The Commentator recommends A Flight of Pigeons to those who are interested in reading political novels. This book would most certainly surprise you with its directness in declaring how the political ruins the personal.
A Flight of Pigeons is a short novel says the publisher in one of those unqualified statements in the blurb. This book, in truth, could easily qualify for a novella. The Old Man and the Sea is a novella; a long story that is not a short story in its scope. A Flight of Pigeons also gives off a similar vibration. Author Ruskin Bond carefully constructs the historical tale of Ruth Labadoor and her family’s escapades during the massacre that took place during the first war of Indian Independence in 1857. Ruskin Bond is charming with his simple and lucid narrative style. Ruth’s family, although Christian, has Muslim roots. The Commentator feels that this may be unheard of in the West, a church-going family with Muslim relatives. It is also unheard of in the Indian subcontinent, where a Muslim family could never be related with a church-going Christian family.
There is a sense of relevance in this theme, as Bond himself observes in the introduction he wrote. In the post-9/11 world, this relevance takes on a deep political and therefore academic interest too. The introduction written by Bond appears a bit of an exaggeration in terms of religious harmony portrayed in A Flight of Pigeons. However, the Commentator thinks that this sense of exaggeration is short-lived as one enters the length and breadth of the story. In A Flight of Pigeons love and friendship wins over religious bigotry.
Murdering a British was politically correct for Indian troops in 1857. Ruth’s father was brutally murdered in a church, in Shahjahanpur, along with other British officials. His body lay in the courtyard of the church for two days. Lala Ramjimal, a friend of Mr. Labadoor, takes care of Ruth, her mother Mariam, Ruth’s grandmother and others who are part of the Labadoor household in his small house. The family hopes to hide until the rebellion is quelled and the British recaptured Shahjahanpur. The irony is that Mariam, whose family is Muslim and who bravely faces the tribulations of the rebellion, could not reveal her hopes of survival. Javed Khan, a commander under the Nawab, discovers the family from their hideout.
Javed Khan finds Ruth to be very attractive. Although he has a wife, he wants to marry Ruth. However, he is a gentleman and cannot marry a woman without her family’s permission. So he begs Ruth’s hand in marriage from Mariam. She being a wise woman postpones the inevitable as much as she could. The novels moves towards its denouement while keeping the suspense and uncertainty of the characters’ lives intact.
A Flight of Pigeons is quite different from the regular Ruskin Bond style. Ruskin Bond mostly writes about nature, Dehra Dun, small towns, and tales set mostly in present or contemporary time. However, one may observe elements of nature surfacing with a typical Ruskin Bond touch when the author touches upon the topic of rain and narrates how it affects the life of the main character.
A Flight of Pigeons is a short novel says the publisher in one of those unqualified statements in the blurb. This book, in truth, could easily qualify for a novella. The Old Man and the Sea is a novella; a long story that is not a short story in its scope. A Flight of Pigeons also gives off a similar vibration. Author Ruskin Bond carefully constructs the historical tale of Ruth Labadoor and her family’s escapades during the massacre that took place during the first war of Indian Independence in 1857. Ruskin Bond is charming with his simple and lucid narrative style. Ruth’s family, although Christian, has Muslim roots. The Commentator feels that this may be unheard of in the West, a church-going family with Muslim relatives. It is also unheard of in the Indian subcontinent, where a Muslim family could never be related with a church-going Christian family.
There is a sense of relevance in this theme, as Bond himself observes in the introduction he wrote. In the post-9/11 world, this relevance takes on a deep political and therefore academic interest too. The introduction written by Bond appears a bit of an exaggeration in terms of religious harmony portrayed in A Flight of Pigeons. However, the Commentator thinks that this sense of exaggeration is short-lived as one enters the length and breadth of the story. In A Flight of Pigeons love and friendship wins over religious bigotry.
Murdering a British was politically correct for Indian troops in 1857. Ruth’s father was brutally murdered in a church, in Shahjahanpur, along with other British officials. His body lay in the courtyard of the church for two days. Lala Ramjimal, a friend of Mr. Labadoor, takes care of Ruth, her mother Mariam, Ruth’s grandmother and others who are part of the Labadoor household in his small house. The family hopes to hide until the rebellion is quelled and the British recaptured Shahjahanpur. The irony is that Mariam, whose family is Muslim and who bravely faces the tribulations of the rebellion, could not reveal her hopes of survival. Javed Khan, a commander under the Nawab, discovers the family from their hideout.
Javed Khan finds Ruth to be very attractive. Although he has a wife, he wants to marry Ruth. However, he is a gentleman and cannot marry a woman without her family’s permission. So he begs Ruth’s hand in marriage from Mariam. She being a wise woman postpones the inevitable as much as she could. The novels moves towards its denouement while keeping the suspense and uncertainty of the characters’ lives intact.
A Flight of Pigeons is quite different from the regular Ruskin Bond style. Ruskin Bond mostly writes about nature, Dehra Dun, small towns, and tales set mostly in present or contemporary time. However, one may observe elements of nature surfacing with a typical Ruskin Bond touch when the author touches upon the topic of rain and narrates how it affects the life of the main character.
October 17, 2015
This is the first Ruskin Bond book I read. And I loved every bit of it. Even though the theme was heavy and it wasn't a happy story, Bond's light writing made it an easy read. The narration is simple. Bond weaves human emotions with extreme caution that every major incident and the character's way of dealing with it is becomes relatable. In the end, Bond leaves you with a bittersweet feeling, but it's a beautiful feeling nonetheless.
September 8, 2023
Being an Indian, I’ve been aware of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 but it was only when I read The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton in my adulthood, that I realized about one aspect of the mutiny: the killing of British civilians by the mutineers. Since then I’ve always been curious to learn more about the impacts of the mutiny.
A Flight of Pigeons is the first story I’ve read about this aspect. It’s actually a novella about Ruth Labadoor, a young girl with a British father & and Indian mother, who watches her father & many other Britishers being killed right after a church service one Sunday morning. As the mutineers hunt for surviving Britishers & their families, Ruth & her remaining family escape & hide with the help of some Indians. This story is about their hiding & what happens to them later.
Bond states that Ruth was a real person he learnt about from her father. St. Mary’s Church, Shajahanpur, where Ruth & her father were attacked, stands to this day and is truly the spot from where the mutiny began in Shajahanpur.
This is a story where for once the tables turn, the rulers are hunted by the ruled. I couldn’t take anyone’s side because there’s no right or wrong here. Everything is tragic, everyone involved are unfortunate. Bond doesn’t delve into this conundrum, nor does he let his own opinions sway the story. Instead, he focuses on the residents of Shahjahanpur which comprised of the Britishers & their families, the Indians who are predominantly Hindus & pathans; their homes, their lifestyles, traditions & culture. At times, this doesn’t feel like anything written by Bond because I’ve always associated him with hills, schoolboys & boarding schools. Reading about villagers in UP in a time before Independence felt like I’m reading someone else’s work. Yet, the slice – of - life style does feel like Bond & is probably the only engaging part of this story. The first half builds up nicely, informing, engaging & building up the reader’s curiosity, but later it almost comes to a rushed up ending which was kind anti-climactic.
While Ruth’s story feels short & abrupt in this book, apparently it was brought to life in a much better way by Shyam Benegal in his 1978 movie Junoon. This could probably be yet another example where the movie surpasses the original book.
A Flight of Pigeons is the first story I’ve read about this aspect. It’s actually a novella about Ruth Labadoor, a young girl with a British father & and Indian mother, who watches her father & many other Britishers being killed right after a church service one Sunday morning. As the mutineers hunt for surviving Britishers & their families, Ruth & her remaining family escape & hide with the help of some Indians. This story is about their hiding & what happens to them later.
Bond states that Ruth was a real person he learnt about from her father. St. Mary’s Church, Shajahanpur, where Ruth & her father were attacked, stands to this day and is truly the spot from where the mutiny began in Shajahanpur.
This is a story where for once the tables turn, the rulers are hunted by the ruled. I couldn’t take anyone’s side because there’s no right or wrong here. Everything is tragic, everyone involved are unfortunate. Bond doesn’t delve into this conundrum, nor does he let his own opinions sway the story. Instead, he focuses on the residents of Shahjahanpur which comprised of the Britishers & their families, the Indians who are predominantly Hindus & pathans; their homes, their lifestyles, traditions & culture. At times, this doesn’t feel like anything written by Bond because I’ve always associated him with hills, schoolboys & boarding schools. Reading about villagers in UP in a time before Independence felt like I’m reading someone else’s work. Yet, the slice – of - life style does feel like Bond & is probably the only engaging part of this story. The first half builds up nicely, informing, engaging & building up the reader’s curiosity, but later it almost comes to a rushed up ending which was kind anti-climactic.
While Ruth’s story feels short & abrupt in this book, apparently it was brought to life in a much better way by Shyam Benegal in his 1978 movie Junoon. This could probably be yet another example where the movie surpasses the original book.
November 24, 2016
Typical dry, simple Ruskin Bond prose. Almost too dry at times. I have higher expectations from the movie. There was only one maybe truly emotional scene. Otherwise a succinct narration of events involving a family during the 1857 revolt. Quick and easy to read. Good for those interested in colonial life in India.
January 7, 2018
If you begin with low expectations, you'll like it.
August 29, 2020
Set in the backdrop of the 1857 mutiny, the novella is a charming narration of a British girl and her journey through the rise and fall of the cultural heritages that evidently followed from the rise and fall of either armies.
With his language Bond makes you live through the times and that's an inherent part of every story he musters up :)
With his language Bond makes you live through the times and that's an inherent part of every story he musters up :)
October 19, 2021
Historical fiction based on 1857 and aftermath incidents. A well-written novella with a gripping tale, that haunts the reader. A movie based on this book "Junoon" was made and received critical acclaim.
December 17, 2020
An ordinary story with the 1857 first war of independence as a background told from the point of view of a British girl who has lost her father.
January 28, 2015
Flight of Pigeons is a really good book because the authour goes in depth with the story and he describes everything very nicely. I like this book because it is fun and boring, sad and happy and many more things. The Author, Ruskin Bond, shows the story and doesn't tell. You can picture the whole book infront of you and I understood everything in the book. It is a really good book. My favourite part in the book was when Mariam and Ruth and the others where in Kothiwala's house, and they were talking about ghosts and weird myths. After they go to bed they get scared and they start shouting, it's really funny. The part in the book that I didn't like was in the beggining when Ruth's dad dies and Ruth's house burns down. It is really sad because Ruth and her mother have to stay with Ramlal their maid, in his small house. So, in the beggining Ruth and her dad go to church where sepoys attack, many people are killed by the Indian sepoys and Ruth's father loses his two fingers and gets a cut on his cheek. Ruth runs to her house to get help but her house was burning down in flames. Then Ramlal finds her and takes her to his house where Ruth's mother is hiding. Ruth tells Ramlal that her father is in danger and he needs help, so Ramlal had to go and help Ruth's dad. When Ramlal gets to the church he find's Ruth's dad dead. Ruth and her mother keep hiding in Ramlal's house until one day when Javed Khan takes both of them to his house by force. Javed Khan treats them very nicely and asks Mariam if Ruth could marry him and become his second wife. Mariam says that she needs time to think. One day Sarfaraz Khan comes to Javed Khan's house and tries to kill Mariam and Ruth but Javed Khan saves them. After some weeks Mariam and Ruth are invited to Javed Khan's relative, Kothiwali's house. After some time they get news that Shahjhanpur is under attack and so Mariam and Ruth have to flee to Delhi. A doctor with a bullock cart gives them a ride to a village where they stay in a small house. After a long time Javed Khan comes to Ruth and Mariam and tells them that he is fleeing to Nepal because British soldiers are back. Mariam and Ruth thank him for his kindness and he apologizes for his rudeness against Ruth. Mariam and Ruth live happily ever after in the small village.
April 24, 2020
This story mainly travels through the period of war between firangaans and Pathans. It is a well-told story of a girl named Ruth Labadoor who had lost her father during a fight and try to hide from Pathans at her father's trustworthy Lala Ramjilal. Later she comes to control Javed khan who tries to marry her. After the fall of Delhi, everything goes out of hands from Pathan's, at last Ruth's mom a widow Mariam whose strong woman character is shown all over the book and her family escapes and reaches safely in their relatives home in Bareilly. The story clearly pictures the problems faced by the poor people of that time
December 30, 2008
First published in the early 1970s, A Flight of Pigeons is a fictional re-telling of the plight of a young woman and her family during the 1857 "Mutiny" against British rule in northern India. Social, sexual and ethnic tensions are tangled in this true story of vulnerable mixed race women trying to survive during an explosion of violence against imperial power, and ethnic and religious "otherness."
July 14, 2014
A classic fiction by Ruskin Bond set in Shahjahanpur during the revolt of 1857 with a twirl of fate, history and humanity. The book is based on true events and gives an interesting insight into the lives of both the British and Pathans in mid nineteenth century. The story is rich in detail and drama, has a masterly simple narrative and deep humanity. Even the most vile characters are portrayed with sympathy and understanding.
September 27, 2017
I consider this as a biography not a novel same as was Umrao jan. only difference is the type of narrative, while Hadi Ruswa's work was based on an interview here Mr. Bond has streamlined different events relating to an incident introduced a degree of fiction in it.However the movie made by Shyam Benegal (Junoon) was a further refinement of this account Mr.Benegal's treatment has made a story out an event and transform it as a piece of superb literature
November 3, 2009
love this book...read this when i was in 12th standard...
January 25, 2020
Loved the classic
June 25, 2015
So vivid and so enjoyable
February 2, 2023
"A Flight of Pigeons" by Ruskin Bond is a haunting and evocative tale set in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The story is centered around a young girl named Ruth Labadoor, who is caught in the middle of the violence and turmoil that erupted during the rebellion. The narrative is told from the perspective of Ruth and is a powerful portrayal of the courage and resilience of ordinary people in the face of extraordinary circumstances!
One of the strengths of the book is Bond's vivid and detailed descriptions of the Indian landscape and its people. The author brings to life the lush green forests and rolling hills of the region, and captures the essence of the local culture and traditions with sensitivity and nuance. His portrayal of the diverse cast of characters, including the British colonials, Indian rebels, and local villagers, is both accurate and compassionate.
The plot of the book is both exciting and emotionally charged, as Ruth finds herself on the run from the British soldiers, who are intent on destroying everything in their path. The narrative is filled with moments of intense drama, as Ruth encounters unexpected challenges and finds herself in life-threatening situations. Throughout the story, she demonstrates remarkable bravery and resourcefulness, which makes her a compelling and relatable protagonist.
The author's writing style is both lyrical and evocative, with a strong sense of atmosphere and mood. He creates a vivid picture of the period and place, and his descriptions of the violence and upheaval of the rebellion are both harrowing and poignant. The narrative is also infused with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more innocent time, which is poignantly captured in the final lines of the book.
In conclusion, "A Flight of Pigeons" is a powerful and haunting tale that provides a glimpse into a turbulent and significant moment in Indian history. The author's vivid descriptions of the landscape, people, and culture of the region are beautifully rendered, and his portrayal of the courage and resilience of ordinary people in the face of adversity is both inspiring and uplifting. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a must-read book that will transport you to a different time and place, and leave a lasting impression on your mind.
One of the strengths of the book is Bond's vivid and detailed descriptions of the Indian landscape and its people. The author brings to life the lush green forests and rolling hills of the region, and captures the essence of the local culture and traditions with sensitivity and nuance. His portrayal of the diverse cast of characters, including the British colonials, Indian rebels, and local villagers, is both accurate and compassionate.
The plot of the book is both exciting and emotionally charged, as Ruth finds herself on the run from the British soldiers, who are intent on destroying everything in their path. The narrative is filled with moments of intense drama, as Ruth encounters unexpected challenges and finds herself in life-threatening situations. Throughout the story, she demonstrates remarkable bravery and resourcefulness, which makes her a compelling and relatable protagonist.
The author's writing style is both lyrical and evocative, with a strong sense of atmosphere and mood. He creates a vivid picture of the period and place, and his descriptions of the violence and upheaval of the rebellion are both harrowing and poignant. The narrative is also infused with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more innocent time, which is poignantly captured in the final lines of the book.
In conclusion, "A Flight of Pigeons" is a powerful and haunting tale that provides a glimpse into a turbulent and significant moment in Indian history. The author's vivid descriptions of the landscape, people, and culture of the region are beautifully rendered, and his portrayal of the courage and resilience of ordinary people in the face of adversity is both inspiring and uplifting. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a must-read book that will transport you to a different time and place, and leave a lasting impression on your mind.
April 12, 2024
I'm sorry, Mr. Ruskin Bond. I can't believe it myself that I'm giving one of my most beloved authors a two star rating.
Growing up, I devoured his stories. Mr. Oliver's Diary, The Blue Umbrella, etc. One of the reason's why I enjoyed his stories so much was because of the simple, yet beautiful way in which he wove his stories. But this was not it. It's so boring and dragged out. It's like, he's just telling us what happened. "This happened, then this happened, then that happened. Hmm, that was it." It's simply a bland description of events.
I truly appreciate the underlying message of the book. The fact that innocent civilians are the ones who truly suffer when rioting or any other sort of civil disturbance happens. And on both sides there are good people whose humanity is what keeps the world from collapsing. The message of putting our differences aside to help the most helpless is a wonderful one.
Growing up, I devoured his stories. Mr. Oliver's Diary, The Blue Umbrella, etc. One of the reason's why I enjoyed his stories so much was because of the simple, yet beautiful way in which he wove his stories. But this was not it. It's so boring and dragged out. It's like, he's just telling us what happened. "This happened, then this happened, then that happened. Hmm, that was it." It's simply a bland description of events.
I truly appreciate the underlying message of the book. The fact that innocent civilians are the ones who truly suffer when rioting or any other sort of civil disturbance happens. And on both sides there are good people whose humanity is what keeps the world from collapsing. The message of putting our differences aside to help the most helpless is a wonderful one.
January 30, 2022
It’s a breezy weekend read of just 133-odd pages which feels half that. One of those types of achool-book stories which we’re all familiar with. Ruskin Bond’s stories are always simple, easy to digest and doesn’t take too much of your time. This book follows the same set.
The story takes place around the time of the 1857 Revolt. The same which we term as the ‘First war of Indian Independence’ and the British terms as a ‘sepoy mutiny’. This becomes the background of the protagonists’ story and doesn’t dwell at all into the intricacies of what, how and why of the revolt.
The story is told from the perspective of Ruth, daughter of a British Magistrate. The story is of the time when Mr.Labadoor, the clerk, gets killed in a massacre at a church by the revolting armies as a revenge against the ‘firangis’. From then on, it is about the survival of Ruth, her mother Mariam, their granny and a few others. Fleeing from one place to another. How this takes a turn when a Pathan, Javed Khan, decides to take them all under his roof as he particularly like Ruth and wanted to marry her.
The characters in the book are somewhat caricaturish of the time this book is based on. But this feeling is also due to how fast the story develops. However, it is apparantly based on real events. Even a movie, Junoon, was made by Shyam Benegal starring Shashi Kapoor in 1978 on this.
It’s a good book that delves into the other side of what the mutiny would’ve felt like for the ordinary working class firangis. It brings forth the irrational fears of people during war and also contrasting generosity of people even during such times.
Do give it a read. It’s short but rich in unsaid emotions.
The story takes place around the time of the 1857 Revolt. The same which we term as the ‘First war of Indian Independence’ and the British terms as a ‘sepoy mutiny’. This becomes the background of the protagonists’ story and doesn’t dwell at all into the intricacies of what, how and why of the revolt.
The story is told from the perspective of Ruth, daughter of a British Magistrate. The story is of the time when Mr.Labadoor, the clerk, gets killed in a massacre at a church by the revolting armies as a revenge against the ‘firangis’. From then on, it is about the survival of Ruth, her mother Mariam, their granny and a few others. Fleeing from one place to another. How this takes a turn when a Pathan, Javed Khan, decides to take them all under his roof as he particularly like Ruth and wanted to marry her.
The characters in the book are somewhat caricaturish of the time this book is based on. But this feeling is also due to how fast the story develops. However, it is apparantly based on real events. Even a movie, Junoon, was made by Shyam Benegal starring Shashi Kapoor in 1978 on this.
It’s a good book that delves into the other side of what the mutiny would’ve felt like for the ordinary working class firangis. It brings forth the irrational fears of people during war and also contrasting generosity of people even during such times.
Do give it a read. It’s short but rich in unsaid emotions.
October 1, 2020
Based on true events,
A FLIGHT OF PIGEONS is a haunting story, rich in detail and drama and told with masterly simplicity and deep humanity.
___________
This is a pocket size book, 135 pages long and a fairly quick read.
📌written in Ruskin Bond's typical writing style,
"Simplicity with grace and valour";
this short novella adds to my treasure of RB Books.
___________
I have read before,
about
THE REVOLT OF MUTINY in 1857
in my history class, at school
BUT
it never seemed so interesting!
RB narration and writing style makes, everything so surreal and good.
____________
This novella talks about a family, in particular, RUTH LABADOOR and her family.
Her father worked in British Magistrate's office.
The revolt resulted in Ruth losing her father in the killings, in addition to their home and belongings and status and comforts.
In fact, they were scared for their own life lest for the help by their trusted friend, Lala Ramjilal.
The beginning, brings out the interesting character of Ruth's mother, while the later talks about the experiences of Ruth.
Written in a captivating style with narration from Ruth's point of view, it forms a beautiful reading experience.
The focus is basically on human emotions & relations.
____________
"Ruskin Bond's novel is racy and exciting... and you read so fast you feel sorry the book is no longer... You cherish the warm, sad-happy feeling for a long time.
#junoon #shyambenegalfilm
A FLIGHT OF PIGEONS is a haunting story, rich in detail and drama and told with masterly simplicity and deep humanity.
___________
This is a pocket size book, 135 pages long and a fairly quick read.
📌written in Ruskin Bond's typical writing style,
"Simplicity with grace and valour";
this short novella adds to my treasure of RB Books.
___________
I have read before,
about
THE REVOLT OF MUTINY in 1857
in my history class, at school
BUT
it never seemed so interesting!
RB narration and writing style makes, everything so surreal and good.
____________
This novella talks about a family, in particular, RUTH LABADOOR and her family.
Her father worked in British Magistrate's office.
The revolt resulted in Ruth losing her father in the killings, in addition to their home and belongings and status and comforts.
In fact, they were scared for their own life lest for the help by their trusted friend, Lala Ramjilal.
The beginning, brings out the interesting character of Ruth's mother, while the later talks about the experiences of Ruth.
Written in a captivating style with narration from Ruth's point of view, it forms a beautiful reading experience.
The focus is basically on human emotions & relations.
____________
"Ruskin Bond's novel is racy and exciting... and you read so fast you feel sorry the book is no longer... You cherish the warm, sad-happy feeling for a long time.
#junoon #shyambenegalfilm
December 29, 2020
Aren’t there some authors whose books affect you over your lifetime? From a child to an adult, you get a warm and cozy feeling from their writing. And I think Ruskin Bond is surely one of them.
Like a great sorcerer at work, every time I pick up one of his novels I am transported to the middle of the scene with all the characters revolving around me. Every emotion, every character and every scene is described in such a way that it feels like I am a part of it.
And the same is true for A Flight of Pigeons, a novella set in Shahjahanpur in the backdrop of the mutiny of 1857. The story is of young Ruth Labadoor whose family is caught in the midst of the riots and narrates how she meets people who display different aspects of humanity to her. As Ruskin Bond says “in times of conflict and inter religious or racial hatred, there are always a few who are prepared to come to the aid of those unable to defend themselves”; and this story is exactly about these people.
Though the story line is very different from other contemporary Ruskin Bond books but what binds all of them together is the simplicity of language.
After reading this book, this simplicity is something that struck me deeply. In a world full of social media and Twitter, where all we have are 280 characters to convey what we want to say, the most complex thing to do is to express our emotions in the most concise and simple manner.
Like a great sorcerer at work, every time I pick up one of his novels I am transported to the middle of the scene with all the characters revolving around me. Every emotion, every character and every scene is described in such a way that it feels like I am a part of it.
And the same is true for A Flight of Pigeons, a novella set in Shahjahanpur in the backdrop of the mutiny of 1857. The story is of young Ruth Labadoor whose family is caught in the midst of the riots and narrates how she meets people who display different aspects of humanity to her. As Ruskin Bond says “in times of conflict and inter religious or racial hatred, there are always a few who are prepared to come to the aid of those unable to defend themselves”; and this story is exactly about these people.
Though the story line is very different from other contemporary Ruskin Bond books but what binds all of them together is the simplicity of language.
After reading this book, this simplicity is something that struck me deeply. In a world full of social media and Twitter, where all we have are 280 characters to convey what we want to say, the most complex thing to do is to express our emotions in the most concise and simple manner.
May 17, 2024
This spellbinding tale intervenes love, loyalty, and resilience against the backdrop of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, painting a vivid picture of a turbulent yet mesmerizing era.
In this meticulously crafted masterpiece, Bond transports readers to the quaint town of Shahjahanpur, where the lives of ordinary people are irrevocably altered by the chaos of war. At the center of it all is Ruth Labadoor, a young Anglo-Indian girl whose world is turned upside down when her family becomes entangled in the throes of rebellion.
Bond's prose is as enchanting as ever, weaving a tapestry of emotions that tug at the heartstrings. Through Ruth's eyes, we witness the complexities of identity, belonging, and the enduring power of love amidst adversity. The characters are beautifully fleshed out, each with their own hopes, fears, and dreams, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
As the story unfolds, we are drawn into a web of intrigue and suspense, as Ruth and her family navigate the treacherous waters of war and survival. Bond masterfully captures the essence of a bygone era, transporting readers to a time and place where the clash of cultures and ideologies shaped destinies.
If you're craving a literary journey that will transport you to another time and place, then "A Flight of Pigeons" is a must-read.
In this meticulously crafted masterpiece, Bond transports readers to the quaint town of Shahjahanpur, where the lives of ordinary people are irrevocably altered by the chaos of war. At the center of it all is Ruth Labadoor, a young Anglo-Indian girl whose world is turned upside down when her family becomes entangled in the throes of rebellion.
Bond's prose is as enchanting as ever, weaving a tapestry of emotions that tug at the heartstrings. Through Ruth's eyes, we witness the complexities of identity, belonging, and the enduring power of love amidst adversity. The characters are beautifully fleshed out, each with their own hopes, fears, and dreams, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
As the story unfolds, we are drawn into a web of intrigue and suspense, as Ruth and her family navigate the treacherous waters of war and survival. Bond masterfully captures the essence of a bygone era, transporting readers to a time and place where the clash of cultures and ideologies shaped destinies.
If you're craving a literary journey that will transport you to another time and place, then "A Flight of Pigeons" is a must-read.
May 26, 2018
Flight of Pigeon by Ruskin Bond - Readers have dual advantage seeing the film Junoon based on the novel Flight of Pigeons and reading the Book also. In the Book, story based on 1857 Indian struggle for Freedom struggle in the city of Shahjahanpur U.P. A group of freedom fighters massacre British rulers on Sunday while they have assembled for prayer at a Church. Three persons, grand mother, mother and daughter Ruth escape and take shelter at Sethjis haveli. The Rebels come to know of this. They knock at the house of Seth and take away all three ladies to their own house. Here the family members provide refuge to the family of 3. The First rebel falls in love with the daughter of British and proposes marriage. Her mother proposes that if the British lose the battle, she will give her daughter in marriage. Later as incidents happen, the British overcome the freedom fighters and the wife of the freedom help them reach British garrison safely. The freedom fighter goes to meet the girl for the last time. The girl comes out and confesses love but ultimately importance and sanctity of promise overtakes and he wisely refuses to marry her. Ruth dies unwed. The reader is able to connect with the story. It is a must read book.
April 2, 2022
2⭐
- This was very boring, from start to finish
- The beginning has some stuff happening, but then nothing much happens for the rest of the book
- The stakes were too low for the characters, everything was resolved so easily
- There were so many characters it was confusing to me who is who
- It wasn't as "deep" and "heartbreaking" as everyone made it seem
- It was kind of confusing, not just in terms of characters, and I found it hard to focus while reading, I had to reread the sentence 10 times
- The writing was meh
- The plot has already been summarised in the synopsis/book describtion on Goodreads so there weren't many surprises
- If I had a dollar for every time a woman was described as "hysterical" I'd be rich by now
- Other than that, I did like the character of the Mother, she was smart and quick to think on her feet, but I didn't care much about the other characters
- There was also a lot of accidental queer-coding it's hilarious
- This was very boring, from start to finish
- The beginning has some stuff happening, but then nothing much happens for the rest of the book
- The stakes were too low for the characters, everything was resolved so easily
- There were so many characters it was confusing to me who is who
- It wasn't as "deep" and "heartbreaking" as everyone made it seem
- It was kind of confusing, not just in terms of characters, and I found it hard to focus while reading, I had to reread the sentence 10 times
- The writing was meh
- The plot has already been summarised in the synopsis/book describtion on Goodreads so there weren't many surprises
- If I had a dollar for every time a woman was described as "hysterical" I'd be rich by now
- Other than that, I did like the character of the Mother, she was smart and quick to think on her feet, but I didn't care much about the other characters
- There was also a lot of accidental queer-coding it's hilarious
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