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Tales of Fosterganj
‘I forget what took me to Fosterganj in the first place. Destiny, perhaps; although I’m not sure why destiny would have bothered to guide an itinerant writer to an obscure little hamlet in the hills. Chance would be a better word. For chance plays a great part in all our lives. And it was just by chance that I found myself in the Fosterganj bazaar one fine morning early in May…’
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
152 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
680 books3,557 followersRuskin 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 15, 2024
"All I wanted was a quiet life, a writing pad, books to read, flowers to gaze upon, and sometimes a little love..."
The writing is so peaceful and calm. So it describes a sleepy, quiet fictional place called Fosterganj in which people lived a more simpler life, with less chaos and humdrum.
The characters appear quite realistic and I do see the narrator as the author himself. Most parts of the book describes normal daily activities and interactions happening during a normal day. A collection of slice of life kind of moments. And a series of mysterious events and mis/adventures maybe.
It feels like a real town to me while reading the story. The description of the places, the roles of the other characters which is quite interesting and unique, their beliefs and superstitions; the joys and the sufferings of the people there made me feel I was present in the story as well. I was listening and seeing everything so vividly. The writing is this good.
Those parts on rabies outbreak and the wildlife taking lives seem quite realistic.
Some readers might feel uncomfortable regarding some parts which hint towards animal cruelty, violence, police brutality, suicidal events mentioned.
The story is written quite close to nature and emotions we all can relate (more so for the adults); goes back to the times of partition in parts; a dark mystery of the once powerful and a disaster that happened out of nowhere.
Loved the second part of the book more. The story picks up fast, the characters turn chaotic and so many things keep happening until the end. It was so much fun to read!
Some lines I loved or I could relate to while reading the book:
"She was less than beautiful but more than pretty, if you know what I mean. A face to remember."
"Had I been in my room, I would have been reading - a Conrad or a Chekhov or some other classic - because at night I turn to classics - but here there was no light and nothing to read."
(This made me sad.)
"Nothing can be more irritating than a room companion who talks all night."
"It stared at us with a beady eye; a contemptuous sort of stare, almost as if it did not think very highly of humans."
"The first condition of happiness is that a man must find joy in his work. Unless the work brings joy, the tedium of an aimless life can be soul-destroying.
Something I had to remember."
Short chapters, short book, good writing and an interesting plot. You can go for this and read it in one sitting anytime. The tales are adventurous indeed.
And I read this book on 28th April, 2021 during which an earthquake actually happened while reading the earthquake part. Coincidence much?
The writing is so peaceful and calm. So it describes a sleepy, quiet fictional place called Fosterganj in which people lived a more simpler life, with less chaos and humdrum.
The characters appear quite realistic and I do see the narrator as the author himself. Most parts of the book describes normal daily activities and interactions happening during a normal day. A collection of slice of life kind of moments. And a series of mysterious events and mis/adventures maybe.
It feels like a real town to me while reading the story. The description of the places, the roles of the other characters which is quite interesting and unique, their beliefs and superstitions; the joys and the sufferings of the people there made me feel I was present in the story as well. I was listening and seeing everything so vividly. The writing is this good.
Those parts on rabies outbreak and the wildlife taking lives seem quite realistic.
Some readers might feel uncomfortable regarding some parts which hint towards animal cruelty, violence, police brutality, suicidal events mentioned.
The story is written quite close to nature and emotions we all can relate (more so for the adults); goes back to the times of partition in parts; a dark mystery of the once powerful and a disaster that happened out of nowhere.
Loved the second part of the book more. The story picks up fast, the characters turn chaotic and so many things keep happening until the end. It was so much fun to read!
Some lines I loved or I could relate to while reading the book:
"She was less than beautiful but more than pretty, if you know what I mean. A face to remember."
"Had I been in my room, I would have been reading - a Conrad or a Chekhov or some other classic - because at night I turn to classics - but here there was no light and nothing to read."
(This made me sad.)
"Nothing can be more irritating than a room companion who talks all night."
"It stared at us with a beady eye; a contemptuous sort of stare, almost as if it did not think very highly of humans."
"The first condition of happiness is that a man must find joy in his work. Unless the work brings joy, the tedium of an aimless life can be soul-destroying.
Something I had to remember."
Short chapters, short book, good writing and an interesting plot. You can go for this and read it in one sitting anytime. The tales are adventurous indeed.
And I read this book on 28th April, 2021 during which an earthquake actually happened while reading the earthquake part. Coincidence much?
April 2, 2024
Where to begin ?
How about a dream and a poem ?
"keep right on to the end of the road ,
keep right on to the end
If your way be long
let your heart be strong
And keep right onto the end
If you're tired and weary
still carry on ,
Till you come to your happy abode.
And then all you love And are dreaming of,
Will be there----
At the end of the road "
What do I really love and dream of ?
A Ruskin Bond book and a surprise rain on a late summer evening of leisure .
Heavy drops of rain followed by hail stones bouncing of the stony path .Gust of wind rushing through the trees , leaves and small branches swirling through the air and flashes of lightening to light up the darkening sky .
Rhythmical tapping of rain drops on glass window.
Bliss .
And smell of wet earth .
Nirvana.
A traveler's nightmare
A reader's heaven .
About the book ?
This book is about stories happened during the year long stay of the author in Fosterganj .A single story of 134 pages with stories in parts . A perfect blend of fiction and reality .Vintage Bond.
An old world charm . Even older world magic . Bond at his best .
This is a story about Hassan and Sunil and Vishal ,Old Foster and long-tailed magpies flitting among the oak trees .This is the story about a pickpocket , a baker , a banker and a man eating leopard.
There is element of mystery , super natural events ,situational comedy , witty single lines , pinch of philosophy and observations about life in a small town .A mix flavored ice lolly whose test lingers long after the last sip of the melting ice .
Should you read this ?
Read this .Read this Ten times .
What will happen in the end ?
The rain will stop .The book will end .And you will be smiling like the blue sky opening up .
A content heart .A muddy earth .
A reader in trance cleaned of malice. Nature in trance cleaned of the dirt .
A rain has passed
A story has ended
How about a dream and a poem ?
"keep right on to the end of the road ,
keep right on to the end
If your way be long
let your heart be strong
And keep right onto the end
If you're tired and weary
still carry on ,
Till you come to your happy abode.
And then all you love And are dreaming of,
Will be there----
At the end of the road "
What do I really love and dream of ?
A Ruskin Bond book and a surprise rain on a late summer evening of leisure .
Heavy drops of rain followed by hail stones bouncing of the stony path .Gust of wind rushing through the trees , leaves and small branches swirling through the air and flashes of lightening to light up the darkening sky .
Rhythmical tapping of rain drops on glass window.
Bliss .
And smell of wet earth .
Nirvana.
A traveler's nightmare
A reader's heaven .
About the book ?
This book is about stories happened during the year long stay of the author in Fosterganj .A single story of 134 pages with stories in parts . A perfect blend of fiction and reality .Vintage Bond.
An old world charm . Even older world magic . Bond at his best .
This is a story about Hassan and Sunil and Vishal ,Old Foster and long-tailed magpies flitting among the oak trees .This is the story about a pickpocket , a baker , a banker and a man eating leopard.
There is element of mystery , super natural events ,situational comedy , witty single lines , pinch of philosophy and observations about life in a small town .A mix flavored ice lolly whose test lingers long after the last sip of the melting ice .
Should you read this ?
Read this .Read this Ten times .
What will happen in the end ?
The rain will stop .The book will end .And you will be smiling like the blue sky opening up .
A content heart .A muddy earth .
A reader in trance cleaned of malice. Nature in trance cleaned of the dirt .
A rain has passed
A story has ended
August 1, 2020
Eu realmente não sei o que me fez ler esse livro. Muito menos o que me levou a ler ele duas vezes seguidas em dois dias. Talvez porque o livro é realmente muito gostoso de ler, mas também pelo fato de que a narrativa me pegou tão de surpresa que tive que reler para ter certeza se havia gostado ou não. Minha conclusão é que "Tales of Fosterganj" é um verdadeiro diamante escondido. A premissa é simples (um escritor narra um ano de sua vida em um pequeno vilarejo na India na década de 60), mas a forma como os contos são apresentados é incrível. A melhor forma de descrever "Tales of Fosterganj" é compará-lo à sensação de passar um final de semana em uma cidadezinha no interior. Mesmo em um curto espaço de tempo, você acaba conhecendo um pouco da vida dos habitantes, a extravagância de alguns deles, os pequenos hábitos, além das fofocas e lendas que parecem sempre existir nessas cidades pequenas, não importa em que lugar do mundo, e, de bônus, também há um mistério para dar um gostinho a mais. Fica a sugestão para quem está precisando de uma leitura "aconchegante".
November 2, 2017
Lately, I was accustomed to picking up a new book by Ruskin Bond only to find that I have already read most of its stories, thanks to the confusion created by the repeated publication of his stories. I was delighted to find this completely unread book after ages! Set in a fictional village around the hills of Mussoorie, it has all the typical Ruskin Bond traits usually found in his books. The book would be better explained by its following characteristics:
F- Funny
O- Outlandish
S- Simple
T-Tender
E- Effortless
R- Rustic
G- Geckos (You'd understand once you have read the book)
A-Adventurous
N- Nostalgic
J- Joyful
Also, Ruskin freaking Bond!!!
F- Funny
O- Outlandish
S- Simple
T-Tender
E- Effortless
R- Rustic
G- Geckos (You'd understand once you have read the book)
A-Adventurous
N- Nostalgic
J- Joyful
Also, Ruskin freaking Bond!!!
May 11, 2018
Light as feather and a perfect book to curl up with. Ruskin Bond enthralls his readers with fascinating stories about the fictional town of Fosterganj. Nothing happens there, and yet, there is nothing that doesn't happen there. Know what I mean? From a man eating tiger to robbery and murder, people of Fosterganj have seen and heard everything. The town may look sleepy from far but has quite a lot of fodder for a creative mind, the reason why an author lands up there and ends up writing a book about it. Hope the readers like this one.
April 28, 2019
I will be a Ruskin Bond afficionado for life. :) If you are looking for something light and breezy, may be to get into a reading habit after a break, to kick-start your reading or if you are simply looking for a brief change, you will like Fosterganj. It has everything, hills and their beauty, mystic and mysteries, people who are benevolent and people who have that sinister feel about them. Basics, the quintessentially Ruskin Bond book it is! Fun, without a doubt. If you have an Amazon Prime Subscription, you will be able to borrow and read this for free under Prime Reading. :) Enjoy!!
August 30, 2022
audio book: narrated by Sam Dastor
Listening to Ruskin Bond's gentle tales of everyday life in a small Indian village before the days of mobile phones, computers and even television, is a calming, soothing experience. In Fosterganj life is taken at a slower pace and nothing much happens, yet the stories are interesting, and the characters are real and full of the usual human foibles.
The narration by Sam Dastor, slipping into different accents effortlessly, couldn't be better.
Reading this in bed at night might just put you into the sweetest mood and lead you drifting off to a pleasant sleep. Fosterganj can do that to you.
Listening to Ruskin Bond's gentle tales of everyday life in a small Indian village before the days of mobile phones, computers and even television, is a calming, soothing experience. In Fosterganj life is taken at a slower pace and nothing much happens, yet the stories are interesting, and the characters are real and full of the usual human foibles.
The narration by Sam Dastor, slipping into different accents effortlessly, couldn't be better.
Reading this in bed at night might just put you into the sweetest mood and lead you drifting off to a pleasant sleep. Fosterganj can do that to you.
June 6, 2019
A sweet and short read which will refresh you.
May 3, 2021
This is yet another autobiography, with mostly new content not published/shared in any of his other books.... not even in Lone Fox Dancing!!!
Which makes me think, this all may not have really happened, albeit its good to believe as true and equally fun to enjoy this small gem of a book.
In the author's own words towards the end:
“I have written about moonlight bathing the Taj and the sun beating down on the Coromandel coast—and so have others—but who will celebrate little Fosterganj?
And so I decided to write this account of the friends I made there—a baker, a banker, a pickpocket, a hare-lipped youth, an old boozer of royal descent, and a few others—to remind myself that there had been such a place, and that it had once been a part of my life.”
What I Loved:
-One of those lesser Bond books, which runs along throughout as a single novel.
-Having read at least 3-4 of his memoirs, this was still refreshing.
-A set of interesting characters, some old - Sunil the pickpocket, many new - Mr. Foster with his devious plans to get a loan, Hassan the baker, Lucky boy and his Mom in an eerie encounter, Vishaal the banker, Mr. Middleman, the Professor who keeps attending funerals as a hobby!
-A complete panorama of this fictional place called Fosterganj! (Could be real life McLeodGanj, Forsythganj or Barlowganj)
Edit: This is probably Barlowganj, as I did a quick map check of different "ganj" in India, and Barlowganj (in Landour, Mussoorie happens to have this temple called Pari Tibba which is referenced in the book multiple times. - Pari Tibba Google Map Link
-Some crazy adventures which I don't recall in his other works - the box of jewels, the gramophone story, sleeping on a box bed with a skeleton inside, jumping off a window to escape police interrogators, near death encounter with a man eating leopard, lizard hunting expeditions, mysterious murder and burning of a haunted palace (Fairy Glen).
Some quotes worth sharing:
“All I wanted was a quiet life, a writing pad, books to read, flowers to gaze upon, and sometimes a little love, a little kiss…”
On buying a walking stick in 1960's:
“Those were the days of simple living. You don’t see two-rupee notes any more. You don’t see walking sticks either. Hardly anyone walks.”
“The first condition of happiness is that a man must find joy in his work. Unless the work brings joy, the tedium of an aimless life can be soul-destroying.”
"In due course, life returned to normal, as it always does in India, post earthquakes, cyclones, riots, epidemics and cricket controversies. Apathy, or lethargy, or a combination of the two, soon casts a spell over everything and the most traumatic events are quickly forgotten."
On Indian abuses :D
“The nettles stung me viciously on the hands and face, and I cursed in my best Hindustani. The European languages have their strengths, but for the purposes of cursing out loud you can’t beat some of the Indian languages for range and originality.”
Note:At the time of writing this review, the ebook was available free of cost on Amazon for prime members (not KU!) in India.
So grab your copy and indulge in. I can bet you will not be disappointed :)
Which makes me think, this all may not have really happened, albeit its good to believe as true and equally fun to enjoy this small gem of a book.
In the author's own words towards the end:
“I have written about moonlight bathing the Taj and the sun beating down on the Coromandel coast—and so have others—but who will celebrate little Fosterganj?
And so I decided to write this account of the friends I made there—a baker, a banker, a pickpocket, a hare-lipped youth, an old boozer of royal descent, and a few others—to remind myself that there had been such a place, and that it had once been a part of my life.”
What I Loved:
-One of those lesser Bond books, which runs along throughout as a single novel.
-Having read at least 3-4 of his memoirs, this was still refreshing.
-A set of interesting characters, some old - Sunil the pickpocket, many new - Mr. Foster with his devious plans to get a loan, Hassan the baker, Lucky boy and his Mom in an eerie encounter, Vishaal the banker, Mr. Middleman, the Professor who keeps attending funerals as a hobby!
-A complete panorama of this fictional place called Fosterganj! (Could be real life McLeodGanj, Forsythganj or Barlowganj)
Edit: This is probably Barlowganj, as I did a quick map check of different "ganj" in India, and Barlowganj (in Landour, Mussoorie happens to have this temple called Pari Tibba which is referenced in the book multiple times. - Pari Tibba Google Map Link
-Some crazy adventures which I don't recall in his other works - the box of jewels, the gramophone story, sleeping on a box bed with a skeleton inside, jumping off a window to escape police interrogators, near death encounter with a man eating leopard, lizard hunting expeditions, mysterious murder and burning of a haunted palace (Fairy Glen).
Some quotes worth sharing:
“All I wanted was a quiet life, a writing pad, books to read, flowers to gaze upon, and sometimes a little love, a little kiss…”
On buying a walking stick in 1960's:
“Those were the days of simple living. You don’t see two-rupee notes any more. You don’t see walking sticks either. Hardly anyone walks.”
“The first condition of happiness is that a man must find joy in his work. Unless the work brings joy, the tedium of an aimless life can be soul-destroying.”
"In due course, life returned to normal, as it always does in India, post earthquakes, cyclones, riots, epidemics and cricket controversies. Apathy, or lethargy, or a combination of the two, soon casts a spell over everything and the most traumatic events are quickly forgotten."
On Indian abuses :D
“The nettles stung me viciously on the hands and face, and I cursed in my best Hindustani. The European languages have their strengths, but for the purposes of cursing out loud you can’t beat some of the Indian languages for range and originality.”
Note:At the time of writing this review, the ebook was available free of cost on Amazon for prime members (not KU!) in India.
So grab your copy and indulge in. I can bet you will not be disappointed :)
January 6, 2024
"The first condition of happiness is that a man must find joy in his work. Unless the work brings joy, the tedium of an aimless life can be soul-destroying."
I was so excited to read this book for so long and thankfully it is an exciting read.
A travel log within a story, this book is all that a one needs during these times of pandemic when travelling is just not so happening thing. Just like all other books by Ruskin Sir this book is also an expert in making the readers travel along with author without leaving their cosy and safe homes.
Tales of Fosterganj is a description of various events in the life of author in a certain place called Fosterganj. Sets in hills near Mussorie and Rajpur, this place has its own charm that lets the author to stay their and tell the stories of various unique yet simple, funny and adventurous people of Fosterganj who complice various elements in the story.
This book starts with author randomly discovering the place and a person, who is also a resident of the place, named as Foster, claims the town was once owned by his Grandfather on whose name it is named so. The author find the place to be wonderful and decided to stay. During his stay, he came across so many people who are equally mysterious and happy-to-go.
The book is so calmly written that it will make you laugh, smile, scared and happy for all the characters. There are so many events to mind up on and worth reading. One can expect and be ready for a new kind of twist in each turning pages.
This book is like roller coaster of events with the descriptions so well that will make the reader glued to the story, that reader may find that the place and the events their are rather real than a fictional setup.
My favorite line from the book would be:
The nettles stung me viciously on the hands and face, and I cursed in my best Hindustani. The European languages have their strengths, but for the purposes of cursing out loud you can’t beat some of the Indian languages for range and originality
The story is so close to nature and emotional as well at some parts. Some people may find this book bit disturbing due to animal cruelty, police violence, dark mystery besides graphic description.
A re-read?? Well, I don't think so as the excitement of a first read wouldn't be there at the second one.
And if, like me, you are something of a dreamer, you won’t stop dreaming.
I was so excited to read this book for so long and thankfully it is an exciting read.
A travel log within a story, this book is all that a one needs during these times of pandemic when travelling is just not so happening thing. Just like all other books by Ruskin Sir this book is also an expert in making the readers travel along with author without leaving their cosy and safe homes.
Tales of Fosterganj is a description of various events in the life of author in a certain place called Fosterganj. Sets in hills near Mussorie and Rajpur, this place has its own charm that lets the author to stay their and tell the stories of various unique yet simple, funny and adventurous people of Fosterganj who complice various elements in the story.
This book starts with author randomly discovering the place and a person, who is also a resident of the place, named as Foster, claims the town was once owned by his Grandfather on whose name it is named so. The author find the place to be wonderful and decided to stay. During his stay, he came across so many people who are equally mysterious and happy-to-go.
The book is so calmly written that it will make you laugh, smile, scared and happy for all the characters. There are so many events to mind up on and worth reading. One can expect and be ready for a new kind of twist in each turning pages.
This book is like roller coaster of events with the descriptions so well that will make the reader glued to the story, that reader may find that the place and the events their are rather real than a fictional setup.
My favorite line from the book would be:
The nettles stung me viciously on the hands and face, and I cursed in my best Hindustani. The European languages have their strengths, but for the purposes of cursing out loud you can’t beat some of the Indian languages for range and originality
The story is so close to nature and emotional as well at some parts. Some people may find this book bit disturbing due to animal cruelty, police violence, dark mystery besides graphic description.
A re-read?? Well, I don't think so as the excitement of a first read wouldn't be there at the second one.
And if, like me, you are something of a dreamer, you won’t stop dreaming.
February 8, 2014
Loitering sheepishly below Ruskin Bond's house, hoping he'd peep out, only to discover that the amiable author wasn't home, takes you to the next best place to comemorate a Landour visit - the bookshop he visits every weekend. To buy his latest autographed book was then the done thing to do. Swallowing it all up in one go while ruminating the steep inclines of a still untouched hill getaway is sheer delight.
Rusty, ol' man, the simple of your words as the trust in not locking your residence leaves me in wonderment!
Rusty, ol' man, the simple of your words as the trust in not locking your residence leaves me in wonderment!
January 4, 2014
It is winter - the season to feel warm and fuzzy. Then how can one miss stories by the beloved Ruskin Bond? Set in a fictional town with its share of flora, fauna, humans and the supernatural, this rather one tale broken into delightful bits is the perfect holiday treat if you prefer to curl up in your quilt with the good old paper book.
April 1, 2018
4.5 stars
February 4, 2025
#336
Book 7 of 2025- Tales of Fosterganj
Author- Ruskin Bond
“Some of the moving forces of our lives are meant to touch us briefly and then go their way.”
I loved reading Tales of Fosterganj! Ruskin Bond’s writing is always beautiful, and this book was no different. I have been reading his books since my school days, and his simple yet magical storytelling has always been my favorite. It had been a while (not too long!) since I last read one of his books, so I picked this up last month—and I’m so glad I did!
The book is set in Fosterganj, a small town near Mussoorie, where Ruskin Bond spends some time. Through his eyes, we meet some interesting and unusual people—a printer who is also a thief, a mysterious woman with a tragic past, a struggling writer, and even a leopard that roams the hills. Each chapter is like a short tale, filled with humor, adventure, and a little mystery.
The book made me want to visit Fosterganj in real life! The way Bond describes the place—its quiet charm, the hills, and the simple mountain life—makes it feel so real. Hopefully, I’ll get to explore a place like this soon.
If you love lighthearted, feel-good stories with a touch of adventure, I highly recommend this book!
Book 7 of 2025- Tales of Fosterganj
Author- Ruskin Bond
“Some of the moving forces of our lives are meant to touch us briefly and then go their way.”
I loved reading Tales of Fosterganj! Ruskin Bond’s writing is always beautiful, and this book was no different. I have been reading his books since my school days, and his simple yet magical storytelling has always been my favorite. It had been a while (not too long!) since I last read one of his books, so I picked this up last month—and I’m so glad I did!
The book is set in Fosterganj, a small town near Mussoorie, where Ruskin Bond spends some time. Through his eyes, we meet some interesting and unusual people—a printer who is also a thief, a mysterious woman with a tragic past, a struggling writer, and even a leopard that roams the hills. Each chapter is like a short tale, filled with humor, adventure, and a little mystery.
The book made me want to visit Fosterganj in real life! The way Bond describes the place—its quiet charm, the hills, and the simple mountain life—makes it feel so real. Hopefully, I’ll get to explore a place like this soon.
If you love lighthearted, feel-good stories with a touch of adventure, I highly recommend this book!
July 7, 2024
Warm and sweet - like the small towns that dot India way before televisions themselves had made them home. What Malgudi Days is for the South, Fosterganj does for the hills in the North with likeable characters looking at life from a pretty innocent perspective of the early 40s and 50s.
June 15, 2019
Tales of Fosterganj, with it's slew of interesting characters, is a very enjoyable read about an idyllic town. It's a light and breezy read which would bring a smile to your face when you'll finish it. If you are from a small hill station, like me, then you'll definitely feel that you have just visited home.
I enjoyed visiting Fosterganj with the writer and i hope you would too.
You can read more on my blog by clicking on the link below:
Tales of Fosterganj
I enjoyed visiting Fosterganj with the writer and i hope you would too.
You can read more on my blog by clicking on the link below:
Tales of Fosterganj
October 13, 2017
Another one of the gems from the hands of Mr. Bond. Mr. Bond has an uncanny ability to look for beauty in even the simplest of places and people.
The town is described by Mr. Bond as "Nothing much ever happens at Fosterganj." However, if you have a keen eye for beauty and detail and an uncanny habit of finding yourself in trouble and adventures, "a lot can happen in Fosterganj." What's there not to like about this wonderful collection.
Put together a beautiful mountain setting and an eclectic bunch of characters (a pickpocket, a bank manager always on a lookout for Leopards, an old cranky Scotsman with crazy business ideas, a humble and friendly baker, a spooky castle and a jewellery thief) and you have got a brilliant cocktail called "Tales of Fosterganj".
Mr. Bond always brings out magic with his pen and from his eyes this world looks like a beautiful place. His books never fail to bring smile on your lips and makes you forget all the worries you might be having in your life. I think psychiatrists should prescribe his books as a cure for depression. I'm sure its going to help a lot of needy people.
In the end I just want to say that may God bless him with a long life and he keeps writing such gems in the future.
The town is described by Mr. Bond as "Nothing much ever happens at Fosterganj." However, if you have a keen eye for beauty and detail and an uncanny habit of finding yourself in trouble and adventures, "a lot can happen in Fosterganj." What's there not to like about this wonderful collection.
Put together a beautiful mountain setting and an eclectic bunch of characters (a pickpocket, a bank manager always on a lookout for Leopards, an old cranky Scotsman with crazy business ideas, a humble and friendly baker, a spooky castle and a jewellery thief) and you have got a brilliant cocktail called "Tales of Fosterganj".
Mr. Bond always brings out magic with his pen and from his eyes this world looks like a beautiful place. His books never fail to bring smile on your lips and makes you forget all the worries you might be having in your life. I think psychiatrists should prescribe his books as a cure for depression. I'm sure its going to help a lot of needy people.
In the end I just want to say that may God bless him with a long life and he keeps writing such gems in the future.
January 30, 2024
Lovely slice of life stories from small town India, a world so far apart from the big cities I grew up in. In this collection of short stories, Ruskin Bond has created characters that stand out. They are unique, and can be found in every small town and neighborhood. He touches upon the need to find love and the joy of unexpectedly finding love, something that stood out for me. In this rather short book, there is adventure, mystery, comedy, joy and grief. There is also an acceptance of life and moving forward. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 29, 2014
The original review of this book is posted on my blog...
To read the original review of this book, click here...
March 16, 2014
The book reads like a holiday in the hills. The quaint little Fosterganj with a host of bizarre characters is brought to life with as much colour as the cover promises. With a quirky, clever twist to finish the tale, Bond wins your heart and how. Recommended for sure!
January 17, 2014
Witty, charming and timeless. Or in other words, quintessential Ruskin Bond.
Perfect under-the-blanket winter reading.
Perfect under-the-blanket winter reading.
February 6, 2014
Have been a fan of Bond for a long time. With this one, he yet again proved that there is beauty in simplicity.
December 17, 2021
If only I could give more stars **********
Fosterganj is my top favorite book by Sir Ruskin Bond. The story that perhaps I will never forget, and read every now and then. Again a lifeless town with so much life. The haunted palace, the Hasan's bakery and his many children, the adventure with pick pocketer Sunil, the lizard catching amusement and the young-old boy mystery. I am running out of vocabulary to express how much I loved reading each and every word of Forterganj tales. Ruskin Sir, I bow my head in deep appreciation at your craft. What a master of words. As I write this, my mind is still wandering in the quaint town of Fosterganj, meeting the the bank manager Vishal, the last of Fosters' clan, Hasan, and the room with an English potty and a window that opens to the world beyond. I have never laughed and enjoyed reading a story, like I did while reading this last one. Long live Ruskin Bond!
Fosterganj is my top favorite book by Sir Ruskin Bond. The story that perhaps I will never forget, and read every now and then. Again a lifeless town with so much life. The haunted palace, the Hasan's bakery and his many children, the adventure with pick pocketer Sunil, the lizard catching amusement and the young-old boy mystery. I am running out of vocabulary to express how much I loved reading each and every word of Forterganj tales. Ruskin Sir, I bow my head in deep appreciation at your craft. What a master of words. As I write this, my mind is still wandering in the quaint town of Fosterganj, meeting the the bank manager Vishal, the last of Fosters' clan, Hasan, and the room with an English potty and a window that opens to the world beyond. I have never laughed and enjoyed reading a story, like I did while reading this last one. Long live Ruskin Bond!
February 26, 2024
Ruskin Bond is my chocolate chip ice cream; something I crave for every couple of months, when I want to escape the city and take a deep breath of deodar scented mountain air.
Fostergunj 'reminded me a little of an English village, and indeed that was what it had once been; a tiny settlement on the outskirts of the larger hill station.' When the narrator landed up there, 'the oaks and maples were in new leaf; geraniums flourished on sunny balconies; a boy delivering milk whistled a catchy Dev Anand song; a mule train clattered down the street.'
Bond never fails to deliver. Regular folk with their own idiosyncrasies, everyday life with a hint of the unexplained, a whiff of scandal or tragedy but not something that overpowers, the essential goodness of people.
Ruskin Bond makes me long to head to the hills. What could be more fun than trudging aimlessly for miles on those mountain roads?
Fostergunj 'reminded me a little of an English village, and indeed that was what it had once been; a tiny settlement on the outskirts of the larger hill station.' When the narrator landed up there, 'the oaks and maples were in new leaf; geraniums flourished on sunny balconies; a boy delivering milk whistled a catchy Dev Anand song; a mule train clattered down the street.'
Bond never fails to deliver. Regular folk with their own idiosyncrasies, everyday life with a hint of the unexplained, a whiff of scandal or tragedy but not something that overpowers, the essential goodness of people.
Ruskin Bond makes me long to head to the hills. What could be more fun than trudging aimlessly for miles on those mountain roads?
May 22, 2019
Quite engaging and lovely
It'd been a long while since I read literature aimed at young readers. I remembered being fond of a few Ruskin Bond short stories back in school and thought I'd give this one a try. It didn't fail to capture my imagination again. A good night time read when you're too tired to decipher the arduous fiction for adults. The stories swim past and around to carry you along to sleep - like night-time tales by grandpas and grandmas
It'd been a long while since I read literature aimed at young readers. I remembered being fond of a few Ruskin Bond short stories back in school and thought I'd give this one a try. It didn't fail to capture my imagination again. A good night time read when you're too tired to decipher the arduous fiction for adults. The stories swim past and around to carry you along to sleep - like night-time tales by grandpas and grandmas
Read
June 21, 2022This is like comfort food. Easy breezy read with several familiar Ruskin Bond elements. Mountains, wildlife, mix of happiness and sadness. It's the story of an author who lands up in a nondescript town with interesting characters and how he gets caught up in the events unfolding in the town. An old entrepreneur, a mysterious bungalow, a murderer, and an enterprising pickpocket who wants to make money by catching giant lizards..
July 17, 2020
Ruskin Bond - Readers go crazy when they hear this name and I wondered why! I have read Ruskin Bond as part of our school syllabus but I can't recollect the stories.
As an adult, I have read Ruskin Bond for the first time and I now know the answer to first line in this review.
The very first chapter itself brought a smile on my face and it only grew wider thereafter. This is the magic of Ruskin Bond and I am now a fan of his books and want to read each one of his books.
About the book - Its a story about Fosterganj, a small village near Missouri and its people. I don't think I can put any more words about the story.
Its a very pleasant read. All this book will do is make you happy. Go for it!
Below lines which I read in the book are my new favourite.
"Keep right on to the end of the road,
Keep right on to the end,
If your way be long
Let your heart be strong,
And keep right on to the end.
If you're tired and weary
Still carry on,
Till you come to your happy abode.
And then all you love
And are dreaming of,
Will be there...
At the end of the road!"
As an adult, I have read Ruskin Bond for the first time and I now know the answer to first line in this review.
The very first chapter itself brought a smile on my face and it only grew wider thereafter. This is the magic of Ruskin Bond and I am now a fan of his books and want to read each one of his books.
About the book - Its a story about Fosterganj, a small village near Missouri and its people. I don't think I can put any more words about the story.
Its a very pleasant read. All this book will do is make you happy. Go for it!
Below lines which I read in the book are my new favourite.
"Keep right on to the end of the road,
Keep right on to the end,
If your way be long
Let your heart be strong,
And keep right on to the end.
If you're tired and weary
Still carry on,
Till you come to your happy abode.
And then all you love
And are dreaming of,
Will be there...
At the end of the road!"
January 7, 2022
Always gonna associate this book w the person who gave it to me (not a good memory) but overall nice simple refresher to get out of reading slump
September 3, 2022
As always touching my heart ❤️
May 11, 2025
Classic Ruskin Bond. Beautifully written and expertly narrated by Sam Dastor, the tales of a quaint little town, Fosterganj, and it's quirky inhabitants will fill your heart with warmth and intrigue.
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