Date Read: 8-Oct-2024
Recommendation: 3/5
Go to the Amazon page for details and review.
(See my list of other books)
The Room on the Roof was my first Ruskin Bond novel. But I watched films (The Blue Umbrella and 7 Khoon Maaf) adapted from his books.
A few of my friends read his work during school years. I never came across his book because I studied in Gujarati Medium.
The book is divided into 23 small chapters, each like an episode. The downside is that little happens with the plot in most chapters. It felt like I was witnessing some events from my hotel window. However, I like this book structure because I can commit to reading 2 to 4 chapters per session.
Ruskin Bond wrote this book when he was 17 years old. Naturally, Rusty, the protagonist, is also a 17-year Anglo-Indian boy. I felt that Ruskin expressed his rebellious thoughts and securities with Rusty’s lens.
Without his parents, Rusty is suppressed by his guardian. The story begins when he befriends local boys (Ranbir, Somi and Suri) who take him under their wing. Rusty breaks new ground in his life experience with Indian chaats, the Holi festival, and bicycle rides. His transition evokes the strongest emotions that his guardian experiences wild hormones.
When he leaves home, Rusty finds his comfort zone. He teaches Kishen and falls in love with his mother, Meena Kapoor.
Rusty’s love for Meena was not one-sided. She was too in love with him. They kissed in the forest when they went for the picnic. Interestingly, Rusty admits to Kishen that he is in love with his mother. Kishen finds it funny!
The author could have developed Rusty and Meena’s love story better. There was no explanation for why she was open to a new relationship as a mother and wife. What was the conflict with Mr Kapoor? Kishen’s reaction after learning about his mother’s affair was surreal. It was a subplot, but it lacked emotion and meaning.
Rusty’s life was at its peak with his friends and love until they slowly vanished. It felt like the plot was designed to leave Rusty alone. It didn’t happen with an organic flow. It happened in an event-like form with a specific reason. Some friends had to go to Mussoorie to study, and Kapoor’s family had to go to Haridwar.
Rusty, too, wants to leave India, but he reunites with an old friend. So, it’s a happy end with a minimal character arc. It was a light and decent read. Perhaps I should have a kid-like mentality when I pick up the next Ruskin Bond novel.
Room on the Roof reminded me of R.K. Narayan’s Swami and Friends, but it fails to create memorable characters, innocence, or nostalgia.