Doon on a Sunday

by David Keeling

Anecdotes, history, lovely anecdotes, overview on Dehra Doon society, also life in Uttaranchal. autobiographical, also cultural comment

174 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Moksh Juneja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book to read. It feels like listening to an old, well-connected (and proudly popular) retired government employee, who claims to know everyone in Dehradun — and genuinely does — as he rants about his day. The narrative has the feel of a few children gathered around an elder on a sunny winter afternoon in a verandah, perhaps sharing pakoras or lychees depending on the weather.

As the title suggests, each story centers on some aspect of Dehradun — a specific place, a season, or both. If you’re from Dehradun, you might enjoy the book for its sense of nostalgia. The stories also weave in the current affairs of the time, which may either connect with or distance the reader.

Every story touches on politics, macroeconomics, sometimes cricket, and it always feels personal to the author.