Earthquake

by Ruskin Bond

What do you do when there's an earthquake?' asks Rakesh. Everyone in the Burman household has their own ideas, but when the tremors begin and things start to quake and crumble, they are all taken by surprise. Amidst the destruction, Rakesh's family stays strong. But will they survive the onslaught of yet another earthquake?

Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Ruskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.

Reviews

[Dhwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earthquake by Ruskin Bond is an illustrated book about an earthquake in Shillong published by @puffinbooksusa .

The Burman family is NOT prepared when it hits their home. Things and structures are destroyed but they are luckily aided by their help. The entire experience of the family and what impact a natural calamity can leave has been written about in the book. This is unlike most books by Mr. Bond. Another one that I recall is Angry River; both about the wrath of nature. Till date I've only found Mr. Bond to be able to write about serious and hair raising topics like this in a simple manner.

The book contains beautiful illustrations by @sayanart .



A book about a natural calamity would not interest all but the way Mr. Bond writes will make you love it all over.

[Saranya Dhandapani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered a Ruskin Bond book, but this one arrived by mistake. When I saw the illustrations and read the storyline, I decided not to return it—and I’m so glad I didn’t. I read it last week, and it turned out to be such a joyful and meaningful experience!

Earthquake is a simple yet touching story set in the Himalayan hills. It follows a young boy and his grandfather as they face the aftermath of an earthquake. When the earthquake strikes, the entire village decides to leave, but the grandfather chooses to stay back. His love for the land and his positive outlook make him such a memorable character.

Grandfather is the soul of this story. His way of explaining the earthquake is thoughtful and inspiring. He doesn’t see it as a disaster but as a part of nature. Instead of worrying, he focuses on the beauty around him and chooses to rebuild his life with hope and joy. His decision to stay, even when everyone else is leaving, shows his deep connection to the place he calls home.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and make the story even more enjoyable. Ruskin Bond’s way of writing about grandparents is always special, and this story is no different. The grandfather’s wisdom and calmness remind us of the people in our lives who teach us to face challenges with courage and love.

This book is more than just a story about an earthquake. It’s about resilience, finding joy in simple things, and holding on to what truly matters. It’s a short and heartwarming read that will leave you feeling inspired.

[Omkar Joshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Derived from his earlier writings about earthquake and his (!) eccentric but smart grandfather and caring grandmother, this book(another pocket read) lacks any of the charms of a typical Bond book. Yes, humour and innocence is found in some places. While the book ends on a light and positive note, it's unimpressive as a whole.

[Lopamudra Kalangutkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading marathi translation of this book when i came across these lines:

"सगळंच गेलं" तो अखेरीस उदगारला. "दुर्दैव. किती दुर्दैव."
"नाही." आजोबा म्हणाले. "आपण सुदैवी आहोत. आपण सगळे जिवंत आहोत, नाही का?"

Thankful that I'm healthy and alive and able to read this beautiful book set in earthquake prone shillong.

[Radoslava Koleva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The topic of earthquakes and natural disasters absolutely terrifies me, so I read this book with apprehension. I appreciate the positive spin on the story and that every end is a beginning, especially when you have a close-kint family to support you.

[Hrishita Dev · Rating 4 out of 5]

💙💙

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any story that I read a touch of subtle humor with real-life incident and characters made the reading experience a memorable one, this book is no exception.