This was a book I read after a short break and I particularly chose this one since its from my favorite author. A collection of short stories all involving a train journey or connected to a train in one or another. Encounters with some of the stories, as always were my second time.
There is something with Mr. Bond's writings that never fail to captivate me. In this book as well there were a number of stories (situations) to which I could totally relate to from my childhood and even from current period. For ex : the way the protagonist gets confused on how the train has made a U turn without him noticing was similar to the one I had during my journey to Delhi many years back. "He couldn't understand, the train hadn't turned of that he was certain, and it hadn't been moving backwards. He climbed out of the compartment and looked up and down the platform. Yes the engine had changed ends!". Another instance which I could relate to was the story about Daya Ram- a foolish simple person who trusted everyone around and finds it hurtful to realize the people he seemed to like so much has cheated him.
Overall a superb read with the combination of comedy, love, heartbreaks, tragedies, simpleness of childhood and beauty of the mountains. My favorite among the lot would be:
Time Stops at Shamli - A true romantic story which reaffirmed my fan ship on the author.
Kiplings Shimla - The best story is the last entry. I have always wondered whether its the Himalayas that I love more or Mr Bond's writing about the Himalayas. This story even includes excerpts from Rudyard Kipling's words on Shimla which makes it doubly beautiful.
All the stories and characters though may feel made up have a certain life and truth to it as if every incident and every person bears a little of the creator himself which is what makes those words special.
Definitely a recommended read for anyone trying to have a good time with a book.
Concluding the review quoting the "gems" I collected along :
"In those days I never had the patience to wait for second thoughts and so I began pulling my small suitcase."
No comments:
Post a Comment