Travelling with Ruskin Bond

“Roads to Mussoorie” — Celebrating everyday people, places and events.

Ruskin Bond has always been a writer close to my heart. Since childhood, his stories have comforted me and taught me to perceive moments, life and the world at large — from a different perspective.

I started the new year wrapped up in a blanket with “Roads to Mussoorie” on my lap. Spanning just about 120 pages, the book is a reflective summary of Bond’s days in Mussoorie — the writer’s favourite place to be.

Throughout the 15 chapters, Bond paints a vivid picture of the snow-clad peaks, the winding roads, the trees by his window and every little thing that makes up his surroundings in the not-so-silent hill station.

Full of nostalgic elements, the book presents all the people of Mussoorie who have, in some way or the other, inspired the author in their own wondrous ways.

The book has two interesting portions — the Backward (traditionally known as the Foreword) and the Foreward (placed as an epilogue at the end of the book)!

In his defense, Bond states:

“. . . that’s the kind of person I have always been. Very backward.”

While his Backward takes a literally ‘backward’ look at the things, people and funny events in the quaint, little town of Mussoorie; the Foreward talks about welcoming new opportunities with open arms and embracing fresh perspectives with an open mind.

To me, the book serves as a tool for introspection. As much as it is about the ‘roads’ to Mussoorie, it is also about the ‘roads’ that lead us to our own selves, giving us the opportunity to re-discover ourselves at every juncture of our lives.

The writing is simple and fluid, having the right amount of humour, sprinkled here and there. The book offers a comforting space where readers can experience the sights, sounds and smells of Mussoorie through the words of the author, so dearly penned.