The very first author who was recommended to me after I finished reading through almost all the unabridged world classic literature works was none other than ruskin bond.His books were introduced to me by my grand father some 8 years ago as an author who caters to wide range of ages and that his stories are highly readable and simple.Then I wasn’t well acquainted with any modern writers and knew only shakespeare and dickens and jane austen and the bronte sisters.
Thus at the age of 10, I read his collection of short stories ’’Time stops at shamli’’ and since then he is the single writer with whose stories I have been able to completely identify with.Thus he became my first and the ultimate favourite story teller.No, story teller would not be the apt word for him.More than a story teller he takes you through the life, dreams, hopes, love, happiness, dejections, and dilemma of people in and around nainital and moussorie.His stories has a strong smell of common day to day life that you can easily empathize with the characters.
After ruskin bond I have read many modern writers who present before you soul stirring melodramatic stories with tear jerking climaxes and teeth biting stories of treachery and infidelity.many of these books exaggerate emotions making man essentally nothing but an emotional fool.In these respects this writer stands out especially , the subtlety with which he convey human emotions and tribulations is just wonderful.
I have read all his books published till date and lately he published his autobiography by the name ’’Scenes from a writer’s life’’.Most of his previous works were semi autobiographical.With this book too the great writer has again made his mark and this book can essentially can be considered as a consolidation of his experiences which inspired most of his stories.