Ruskin Bond continues to be one of the most enduring and popular authors across a career of five decades. His writing style, well known for its wit and humour, delights children and adults alike. From the quirks of the humdrum everyday life, to supernatural encounters, Ruskin has something for everyone. Harper Collins is set to release his new book – ‘How To Be A Writer’, a glimpse into his writing credo. With the release imminent, here are some interesting facts about the author:
1) He was the firstborn to Edith Clarke and Aubrey Bond. He was named Owen Ruskin Bond. The name ‘Ruskin’ was chosen by his father.
2) He spent the early days of his childhood in Jamnagar, Gujarat. His father opened a school for children of royal families. After his father joined the Royal Air Force, he spent the rest of his childhood in Delhi, Mussoorie, Shimla, Dehradun.
3) He was only four years old when his parents divorced. He was closest to his father who passed away due to malaria while serving in Kolkata. Bond was 10 at that time.
4) When he was young, he wanted to be a tap dancer. His foray into writing started with a short story called ‘Untouchable’, at the age of 16.
5) In his early twenties, he realised that he wanted to live in India and be a writer. It was during this time he worked on his debut novel ‘The Room On The Roof’.
6) It was a semi-autobiographical novel about an Anglo Indian boy called Rusty and his adventures. He later won the John Llewynn Memorial Prize for it.
7) He has written only one adult novel – ‘The Sensualist’.
8) He believes that an author should be able to write anywhere.
9) He prefers to stay away from media attention. However, he meets his fans at a book store in Mussoorie, every Saturday.
10) His most famous works include – School Days, Funny Side Up, Garland of Memories, Rusty – The Boy from Hills, The Room on the Roof, Landour Days – A Writer’s Journal, Susanne’s Seven Husbands, Angry River.
