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A Hill Station’s Vintage Murders and Other Stories
If ever there was a born murderer, he must surely have been William Jones. The thing came so naturally to him. No extreme violence, no messy shootings or hacking or throttling. Just the right amount of poison, administered with skill and discretion.’ What is it about stories of crime that appeals to the human mind? Is it the thrill of solving the mystery before the solution is spelt out, or a morbid fascination with the peculiar circumstances that could push a person into committing the ultimate sin? With its ruminations on human nature and atmospheric prose, A Hill Station’s Vintage Murders and other Stories brings together some of Ruskin Bond’s best crime writing that delves into these questions. Immerse yourself in his vivid descriptions of crime scenes set in a locale most familiar to him—the hills—and explore with him what happens when people get pushed over the edge.
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Monkey Trouble and Other Stories
‘He gave a full-throated roar and moved purposefully through the tall grass. And the roar came back to him, calling him, calling him forward: a roar that meant there would be more tigers in the land!’ In the vast tapestry of the world, where earth and sky converge, a delicate thread binds humans and the wild. Beneath rustling trees, within deep forests, and across endless plains, a story of coexistence unfolds—often unnoticed, yet profound. Monkey Trouble and Other Stories is a collection of Ruskin Bond’s writings that invite the reader to reflect on the responsibility and wonder of being part of this fragile yet resilient planet, where the secrets to life’s greatest mysteries are found in the smallest moments of connection. From the humorous to the terrifying, experience all that can happen when man meets the wild, through the sensitive and vivid prose of the master storyteller.
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Old Times’ Sake
‘All this is pure nostalgia, of course, but why be ashamed of it? Nostalgia is simply an attempt to try and preserve that which was good in the past… The past has served us: why not serve the past in this way?’ There is something about the past that makes us hold on to it as if it were tangible—the innocence of childhood, the joys of a simpler life—or perhaps it’s just the rose-tinted lenses through which we view our memories that make us feel this way. Undeniably, though, there is a magic to a time long gone that one is powerless to resist. Old Times’ Sake is a collection of Ruskin Bond’s writings for the nostalgia nuts, bringing to life the old-world charm of the times we reminisce about with our loved ones. Take a trip down memory lane with stories about love, loss and friendship, told in Ruskin Bond’s inimitable style.
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The Days I Loved You
Was it all a dream? ‘It was impossible to say. But the topaz on my hand glowed softly in the darkness. And a whisper from the forest seemed to say, “It isn’t time that’s passing by, my friend. It is you and I…”’ Our memories of the people we loved, rose-coloured and untainted, always have a special place in some corner of our heart. Every time we think back to the moments we lived with them, we still feel phantom echoes of the feelings we felt then—the intensity of those emotions may have reduced, but never their value. The Days I Loved You is a collection of stories that recount such memories with startling sensory clarity. Let the evocative and sweet prose of the writer on the hill help you rediscover the joys and sorrows of your own lost loves.
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Great Trees of India
Why do you spend so much time in the trees?’ complained my grandmother. ‘Why not do something useful for a change?’ ‘The trees are my brothers,’ I would say. ‘I like to play with them.’ From the banyans of the plains to the deodars of the hills and the mangroves of the coasts, the trees of India are the soul of our land and its people. Our memories and myths, our songs and superstitions—our land’s trees are an inextricable part of all of them. Great Trees of India contains a selection of stories that are Ruskin Bond’s love letters to the trees that give this country its unique character. Let the master storyteller’s sensitive and warm prose transport you to afternoons spent under cool shade, with birdsong in the air as dust moats float in dappled sunlight—one of the timeless pleasures of life!
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The Garden of Memories and Other Stories
‘This won’t last. Not in this way. But if something like it lasts, we should be happy.’ Our memories are like the multi-coloured flowers in a garden—some happy, some sad; each special on its own, but all coming together to paint a beautiful picture of a life well lived. The ability to walk through this garden whenever we want is one of the greatest gifts nature has given us, and there is nothing quite like the contentment of the occasional trip down memory lane. The Garden of Memories and Other Stories is a special collection that guides readers down the lanes of Ruskin Bond’s own garden on the occasion of his ninety-first birthday. Bringing together some of his most personal recollections and celebrated stories, this book offers a peak into the rich life of the writer on the hill in his usual inimitable and intimate style. Read less
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Tales From My Boyhood
And when all the wars are done,” I said, “a butterfly will still be beautiful.” “Did you read that somewhere?” “No, it just came into my head.” “Already you’re a writer.”’ Vast realms of memories live in our minds. They stay there quietly as we go through the motions of life. But sometimes a place, a name, a taste or even a dream brings forth a flood of colourful memories. The tiny, intricate details of these memories enrich our lives in the most unexpected ways. The heart-warming and eclectic stories in Tales from My Boyhood give you a peek into the vibrant world of Ruskin Bond’s childhood days. Take a nostalgic plunge into Bond’s world through his evocative and descriptive prose, filled with conversations, love, friendship and, most of all, cherished memories.
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Writing For Love
Ruskin Bond presents his selection of the best short stories from the Write for Love contest organized by Mugafi and Rupa Publications India. The annual contest provided a great opportunity for writers of all ages across India to explore various forms of love beyond traditional romantic narratives. In its first edition, the contest drew thousands of entries, showcasing the incredible diversity of love as perceived by people from different walks of life. Curated and edited by the legendary Ruskin Bond, the top twenty stories have been compiled in this unique collection. From heartwarming tales of familial bonds to thought-provoking stories of self-love, from the deep connections between friends to the enduring love for nature, this anthology captures the essence of love in all its forms. These stories, written by both emerging and established writers, offer a rich tapestry of emotions, experiences, and relationships. This book is a celebration of love in its many manifestations and promises to touch your heart and soul, providing a reading experience that will resonate long after the last page is turned.
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The Lagoon
In the stillness of the air every tree, every leaf, every bough, every tendril of creeper and every petal of minute blossoms seemed to have been bewitched into an immobility perfect and final. Nothing moved on the river but the eight paddles that rose flashing regularly, dipped together with a single splash… Somewhere deep in the jungles, in a boat anchored on a lagoon, a man listens to the doomed love story of his friend and his dying lover. In an apple orchard, a philosopher tries hard to decipher the codes of love, little realizing that he is ruining his own chances. With stories from writers like O. Henry, Joseph Conrad, Guy de Maupassant, Anton Chekov and others, this collection brings alive the many shades of love, from the heartbreaking to the joyous.
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A Garland Of Memories
Garland of Memories is a narration of his charming city Doon. It is a collection of short stories based on the memories of Bond. This collection contains tales from his chance encounter with Rudyard Kipling’s ghost, to his adventures with eccentric Uncle Ken, being witness to a bitter battle between a brave snake, a braver mongoose and two foolhardy birds; it’s about the hungry pet python that ate up everyone’s lunch and the mythical snow-woman who almost exists
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My Favourite Nature Stories
‘When I came to live in Mussoorie just over fifty years ago, I lived in Maplewood Lodge, a cottage below Wynberg-Allen School. Its windows opened on to a well-forested hillside. So naturally I wrote about the trees, wild flowers and birds and other creatures who lived among them. Then circumstances forced me to move higher up the mountain and for the last thirty-five years I have lived on the top floor of Ivy Cottage, in Landour Cantonment. Here there are windows too and they open on to the sky, clouds, the Doon valley and range upon range of mountains. And from this perch on the hillside I feel that I am part of the greater world, mother India as well as the natural world of planet Earth.’ In this charming collection, Ruskin Bond talks about his various encounters with the natural world. From the chorus of cicadas to the song of the whistling thrush, from his love for sea shells to his favourite place on earth, Bond details why he has such an overwhelming love for nature. This book is for all who cherish the green world, just as Bond does. Features • A brand new book celebrating Ruskin Bond's 82nd birthday • Written by India’s bestselling author, this book makes for a perfect gift for readers of all ages • A wonderful way to introduce the wonders of the natural world to children
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Petals On The Ganga
This collection by Ruskin Bond has stories that are mostly autobiographical, based on the theme of nature. In these heart-warming stories, Bond talks of the various elements of nature as if they are members of his family. He also endows the flora and fauna that he encounters with distinct personalities, and himself recedes into the background as a silent observer. From the mountains to the trees, from the birds that fly to his cottage, bringing a whiff of the faraway forests they come from, to the winding paths that lead to charming gardens, Petals on the Ganga will take you to nooks and corners, opening up scenes of myriad beauty.
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The Rupa Book Of Travellers' Tales
Unforgettable journeys adventures on land or sea!A South African revolution, a plane crash in the desert, a cannibal conclave and an encounter with pirates: these fascinating real-life accounts of travellers caught up in unexpected adventures and tricky situations comprise the ninth Rupa anthology compiled by Ruskin Bond.
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Dust On The Mountain
Bisnu finds how dangerous and lonely life can be for a boy who has to leave his home to earn money for his family. As he sets to work on the limestone quarries with the choking dust enveloping the beautiful mountain air, he longs for home more than eve
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Earthquake
What do you do when there's an earthquake?' asks Rakesh. Everyone in the Burman household has their own ideas, but when the tremors begin and things start to quake and crumble, they are all taken by surprise. Amidst the destruction, Rakesh's family stays strong. But will they survive the onslaught of yet another earthquake?
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Do You Believe in Ghosts?
Let me put it this way,’ said the Colonel. ‘Do you believe in ghosts?’ ‘I’ve never seen any,’ I said. ‘But you have, my boy, you have…’ Does the unknown world of spirits overpower your imagination? Do spooky tales bring out the detective in you? The intrigue and mystery surrounding the supernatural nearly always evoke fascination and curiosity in most minds. With its enchanting characters, atmospheric prose, and fresh perspectives on the supernatural, the stories in Do You Believe in Ghosts? will take you on a mystical and magical journey. This collection brings together Ruskin Bond’s brilliant supernatural creations that are sure to give you a thrill. Go beyond fear and delve into the mysterious! After all, who knows what wonders await you there!
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The Girl on the Train and Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Girl on the Train and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Girl on the Train, Wild Fruit, Pret in the House, Goodbye, Miss Mackenzie, King Bharata, and Nala and Damayanti, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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Wilson’s Bridge and Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. Wilson's Bridge and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as Whispering in the Dark, Wilson's Bridge, The Man Who Was Kipling, and A Face Under the Pillow, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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The Tunnel and Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Tunnel and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Ugly Prince and the Heartless Princess, A Special Tree, and The Tunnel, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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The Woman on Platform No.8 and Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Woman on Platform No. 8 and Other Stories compiles some of his most heartwarming tales, such as The Woman on Platform No. 8, The Fight, The Funeral, and Love and Cricket, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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King Bharata And Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. King Bharata and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as King Bharata, A Demon For Work, The Tiger-King's Gift, and A Battle of Wits, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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Some Hill Station Ghosts And Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. Some Hill Station Ghosts and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Photograph, Some Hill Station Ghosts, The Trouble with Jinns, and The Shadow on the Wall, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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Seven Brides For Seven Princes And Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. Seven Brides for Seven Princes and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as Nala and Damayanti, The Ugly Prince and the Heartless Princess, The Lost Ruby, and Seven Brides for Seven Princes, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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The Tiger in The Tunnel And Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Tiger in the Tunnel and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Great Train Journey, Dragon in the Tunnel, Going Home, and The Tiger in the Tunnel, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.