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Till the Clouds Roll By
A couple of years after his father's death, ten-year-old Ruskin travels to Dehradun to spend his holidays with his new family. As he reacquaints himself with his mother, now remarried and with a busy social life, his stepfather and new siblings, a pensive Ruskin longs for his father's company, his stamp collection and the old gramophone. Trying to escape this unfamiliar place, he immerses himself in books and explores the forest glades, canals and bazaars of the little town, forming some unlikely friendships on the way.
After the much-loved Looking for the Rainbow, the master storyteller lends another backward glance at his boyhood years-a vacation that took place over seventy winters ago-remembering his days with rare humour, remarkable charm and twinges of heartache.
After the much-loved Looking for the Rainbow, the master storyteller lends another backward glance at his boyhood years-a vacation that took place over seventy winters ago-remembering his days with rare humour, remarkable charm and twinges of heartache.
- GenresNonfiction
86 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
79 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
680 books3,563 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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August 6, 2019The sequel to the book- Looking for the Rainbow, this volume basically deals with the time when his father is dead and he comes to Dehradun to stay with his mother and step father for the first time. We get introduced to his friends. Though Ruskin Bond's writings have been autobiographical in nature, it is in this book where he first talks about this period of his life. A must read for all Ruskin Bond's fans
November 27, 2021
Although it's good,but not as captivating and delightful as his other work.
June 7, 2022
Shorter than the other two books, this is very entertaining.
'Most of us grow in our teens or twenties. I think I grew up when I was ten.'
~ Ruskin Bond
The sequel to Looking For Rainbow, this book, Till The Clouds Roll By contains young Ruskin's story after his father's demise.
He was sent to Dehra to his mother and stepfather's home where in he had one brother and two half brothers. Covered in five chapters, this book tells us about young Ruskin's adventures at his stepfather's place. Be it taking his brother's pram too close to the elephant or meeting and developing a friendship with his stepfather's first wife, Bibiji, this book entertained me through its short length.
Usual friendships with the househelps, his stepfather's first wife and Mohan will help you reiterate the meaning of simple friendships or just friendships for that matter. Ruskin's reading journey has also been highlighted here while he accompanies his mother and stepfather on a safari. The importance or appearance of trains in his life and his lively descriptions about the atmosphere or surroundings made me want to catch one to Mussorrie immediately.
It's fun to read these brief memoirs. Coming Round The Mountain is the sequel to this title. I’m very glad @penguinsters organised this readathon for it gave me a chance to read these books again. Also, @artofmihir has done such a wonderful job illustrating these books; this combination of blue and green is my favourite out of all. 🌏
'Most of us grow in our teens or twenties. I think I grew up when I was ten.'
~ Ruskin Bond
The sequel to Looking For Rainbow, this book, Till The Clouds Roll By contains young Ruskin's story after his father's demise.
He was sent to Dehra to his mother and stepfather's home where in he had one brother and two half brothers. Covered in five chapters, this book tells us about young Ruskin's adventures at his stepfather's place. Be it taking his brother's pram too close to the elephant or meeting and developing a friendship with his stepfather's first wife, Bibiji, this book entertained me through its short length.
Usual friendships with the househelps, his stepfather's first wife and Mohan will help you reiterate the meaning of simple friendships or just friendships for that matter. Ruskin's reading journey has also been highlighted here while he accompanies his mother and stepfather on a safari. The importance or appearance of trains in his life and his lively descriptions about the atmosphere or surroundings made me want to catch one to Mussorrie immediately.
It's fun to read these brief memoirs. Coming Round The Mountain is the sequel to this title. I’m very glad @penguinsters organised this readathon for it gave me a chance to read these books again. Also, @artofmihir has done such a wonderful job illustrating these books; this combination of blue and green is my favourite out of all. 🌏
December 3, 2020
What a lovely book ! It’s just half an hour read but the impact it leaves on the reader is profound ..This memoir of Ruskin is about his days as a teenager , after his father passed away and he went to stay with his mother and stepfather,in his winter holidays .. the simple words and throes of emotions elucidated in this book , tugs at one’s heartstrings. How his loneliness makes him a bookworm and he finds solace in the books, forests, nature , animals and flowers ! I love Ruskin’s style of writing , lucid narration , tongue in cheek humour , wittiness , his love for books and his vivid imagination .. my kids too love Ruskin’s books .
July 30, 2019
Following the sudden demise of his much-adored father, ten-year old Ruskin heads off to Dehradun to spend his holidays with his mother and her new family. While not necessarily cruel or unkind, Ruskin's mother has a hectic social life and doesn't really have much time for her son. This leaves the quiet lad to his own devices. A new-found independence forges his love for discovering the nooks and crannies of Doon, indulging in people (and animal)-watching, cementing his love for reading and making many new and unexpected friends (like his stepfather's ex-wife).
As always, Ruskin's trips down memory lane are told with sincerity, droll humour and the complete absence of resentment.
As always, Ruskin's trips down memory lane are told with sincerity, droll humour and the complete absence of resentment.
June 1, 2024
Another year. Another Ruskin Bond birthday wish event. I was lucky one more time. Got another autographed book as a reward for my humble attempt to wish Ruskin Bond on his 86th birthday. Thank you, Cambridge Book Depot Mussoorie, for giving me another opportunity to be close to Ruskin sir through something I wrote for him and to treasure an autographed book by my favourite author.
The book is a sequel to Looking for the Rainbow. So that makes it the second part of a series of memoirs. When a ten year old boy passes through the most tragic moment of his life, it is difficult to come to terms with the normal life. But Ruskin made the adjustment. He moved on in his own way, not weeping over the lost privilege but treasuring the memories of those moments forever. Although he lost his childhood, yet he made it special in his own way through some unlikely friendships. So this book presents his attempts of beginning again in life and waiting for the clouds to roll by. Once again, wonderful illustrations by Mihir Joglekar. The sketches speak for themselves. He has captured the emotions through his sketches.
The book is a sequel to Looking for the Rainbow. So that makes it the second part of a series of memoirs. When a ten year old boy passes through the most tragic moment of his life, it is difficult to come to terms with the normal life. But Ruskin made the adjustment. He moved on in his own way, not weeping over the lost privilege but treasuring the memories of those moments forever. Although he lost his childhood, yet he made it special in his own way through some unlikely friendships. So this book presents his attempts of beginning again in life and waiting for the clouds to roll by. Once again, wonderful illustrations by Mihir Joglekar. The sketches speak for themselves. He has captured the emotions through his sketches.
November 20, 2019
Another remarkable work by Ruskin, a journey that has bit of tenderness, quiet expectations, sadness and joyous leisure times. Depictions throughout the story by Mihir Joglekar put another charm while reading the story. Summing up my review, to all who loves reading good old stories with everything in it must read this beautiful short story.
August 30, 2019
Title: Till The Clouds Roll By
Genre: Children’s Book
Author: Ruskin Bond
Publication: Penguin Random House India (Puffin Books)
My Rating: 5 stars
This book is a sequel to ‘Looking For The Rainbow’ in which Bond has described his two beautiful years with his daddy. This book talks about the winter when he was ten years old, over seventy years back, when he was quite dejected and sad due to the sudden loss of his father. In this book, a rather pensive Ruskin, to whom the future looks bleak visits his mother and his stepfather in Dehradun. To the two memorable years he spent with his father, coming back to an unknow home and people is a huge adjustment which he has to make.
Ruskin, makes that adjustment as time passes but he misses his father, his stamp collection, the gramophone and a lot more which he did when he lived with his father in Delhi. To begin with the pick up from the station. No one turns up to pick Ruskin at Dehradun station while his excited father was waiting for him at Delhi station two years back.
Although dreary but this new phase of his life, adds a lot of new experiences like lone tonga rides, a jungle safari, the sibling bonding, bazaar visits on a bicycle, making new and unusual friends and discovering books at different places from jungles, granny’s house, etc. He also discovers his interest and fears and decides to stick by them. On this visit to Dehradun, Bond learns that loss can be same but its repercussions can be different for different people.
He recollects in this book of five beautiful tales, life may throw lemons at you, if you know to make lemonade then there is a rainbow at every corner in your life waiting for you. With this such immense understanding of life at such a tender age, he says that most of us grow up in our teens or twenties, but he grew up when he was ten. The scenic description of nature and the lovely illustrations make the book even more enjoyable.
This is a book full of hope to live life once again. Highly recommended for children between 9 to 12 years old. You can grab a copy on https://www.amazon.in/Till-Clouds-Rol...
Follow me on Instagram @the_bookreviewer
Genre: Children’s Book
Author: Ruskin Bond
Publication: Penguin Random House India (Puffin Books)
My Rating: 5 stars
This book is a sequel to ‘Looking For The Rainbow’ in which Bond has described his two beautiful years with his daddy. This book talks about the winter when he was ten years old, over seventy years back, when he was quite dejected and sad due to the sudden loss of his father. In this book, a rather pensive Ruskin, to whom the future looks bleak visits his mother and his stepfather in Dehradun. To the two memorable years he spent with his father, coming back to an unknow home and people is a huge adjustment which he has to make.
Ruskin, makes that adjustment as time passes but he misses his father, his stamp collection, the gramophone and a lot more which he did when he lived with his father in Delhi. To begin with the pick up from the station. No one turns up to pick Ruskin at Dehradun station while his excited father was waiting for him at Delhi station two years back.
Although dreary but this new phase of his life, adds a lot of new experiences like lone tonga rides, a jungle safari, the sibling bonding, bazaar visits on a bicycle, making new and unusual friends and discovering books at different places from jungles, granny’s house, etc. He also discovers his interest and fears and decides to stick by them. On this visit to Dehradun, Bond learns that loss can be same but its repercussions can be different for different people.
He recollects in this book of five beautiful tales, life may throw lemons at you, if you know to make lemonade then there is a rainbow at every corner in your life waiting for you. With this such immense understanding of life at such a tender age, he says that most of us grow up in our teens or twenties, but he grew up when he was ten. The scenic description of nature and the lovely illustrations make the book even more enjoyable.
This is a book full of hope to live life once again. Highly recommended for children between 9 to 12 years old. You can grab a copy on https://www.amazon.in/Till-Clouds-Rol...
Follow me on Instagram @the_bookreviewer
June 8, 2022
'Till The Clouds Roll By' gives an account of his stay with his Punjabi stepfather Hari after the death of his father. The story continues where 'Looking For Rainbows' ends which is a recollection of memories spent with his father. Ruskin navigates Dehra's hill tops with his bicycle and finds friends in the form of Mohan and Bibiji.
Plucked from a home and placed in unfamiliar surroundings makes him uneasy. As a young lad, when he was to accompany his mother and stepfather for hunting, he outrightly refused citing fear for guns. When the shikharis were out on a prowl, Ruskin was having an adventure of his own amidst a heap of books.
'When I came down to Dehradun from my hill school, it was to a home that had yet to become a home'
He pays a visit to Bibiji who was Mr Hari's(as Ruskin addressed him) first wife. She did not anticipate the visit but the duo formed an unlikely bond when Ruskin offered to tally the bill. Bibiji grew fond of his visits and rewarded him with Samosas when he finished her chores. He spent days with Mohan, his newfound friend chasing the chugging trains.
Ruskin Bond reminisces his father and the wisdom he imparted when he talks about the time spent in his new home. With the arrival of his half-brother, the snowfall in Dehra ensued. The book ends with Ruskin setting off to boarding school hoarding a love for nature, animals and books!
We get to closely know Dehra, the town of Litchee trees and his fondness for trains. The black & white illustrations thoughtfully depict the yesteryears, the people and culture that existed during that time. The anecdotes are narrated with a tinge of humour and philosophy. The simplicity that is missing in today's times is found in abundance in Ruskin Bond's writings. They have a homely vibe to them. He surely knows how to make his way into readers' hearts.
Plucked from a home and placed in unfamiliar surroundings makes him uneasy. As a young lad, when he was to accompany his mother and stepfather for hunting, he outrightly refused citing fear for guns. When the shikharis were out on a prowl, Ruskin was having an adventure of his own amidst a heap of books.
'When I came down to Dehradun from my hill school, it was to a home that had yet to become a home'
He pays a visit to Bibiji who was Mr Hari's(as Ruskin addressed him) first wife. She did not anticipate the visit but the duo formed an unlikely bond when Ruskin offered to tally the bill. Bibiji grew fond of his visits and rewarded him with Samosas when he finished her chores. He spent days with Mohan, his newfound friend chasing the chugging trains.
Ruskin Bond reminisces his father and the wisdom he imparted when he talks about the time spent in his new home. With the arrival of his half-brother, the snowfall in Dehra ensued. The book ends with Ruskin setting off to boarding school hoarding a love for nature, animals and books!
We get to closely know Dehra, the town of Litchee trees and his fondness for trains. The black & white illustrations thoughtfully depict the yesteryears, the people and culture that existed during that time. The anecdotes are narrated with a tinge of humour and philosophy. The simplicity that is missing in today's times is found in abundance in Ruskin Bond's writings. They have a homely vibe to them. He surely knows how to make his way into readers' hearts.
December 26, 2022
This is the shortest book in the series but in no way less entertaining and cozy than others.
This was vacation experience when the one and most important person of author's life wasn't there to greet but rather other new people..
It also shows how charismatic author was even he was just 13 years to make friends with almost anybody around him .
Do read if you too love to make new friends.
Happy Reading 📖 📚
This was vacation experience when the one and most important person of author's life wasn't there to greet but rather other new people..
It also shows how charismatic author was even he was just 13 years to make friends with almost anybody around him .
Do read if you too love to make new friends.
Happy Reading 📖 📚
January 13, 2018
a short, yet delightful book of Ruskin bond's memoir. a sequel to looking for the rainbow, this book gives you a glimpse of the holidays Ruskin spends with his mother, siblings, step father and new friends in dehra. The illustrations by artist mihir joglekar breathe life into the nostalgic episodes. A nostalgic classic indeed!!
January 25, 2018
The book is refreshing due to the simplicity, yet the little show of perspectives.
It talks about Ruskin Bond in his childhood and how he develops into an incurable bookworm.
It's fun to have an insight like this. The sharing of the little details adds a personal touch to the whole experience.
It talks about Ruskin Bond in his childhood and how he develops into an incurable bookworm.
It's fun to have an insight like this. The sharing of the little details adds a personal touch to the whole experience.
June 20, 2019
A very quick read! Short and sweet. It makes you want to know more about the author’s childhood. His writing, like many have said, is very relatable and warms your heart. Perfect book for a short flight or train ride 🙂
July 25, 2019
Books by Ruskin Bond have always taken me back to my good days spending time on hilly areas with friends and family. My school picnic and much more. Wherever I pick a book from this author I just get transported to my school days. Loved it.
September 9, 2020
A nice read. But he doesn’t ever describe his mother in any of the four books of this series. And even his grandmother. Perhaps it’s because his thoughts about his mother are not all positive and since these books are aimed at children he doesn’t want to confuse them?
June 14, 2018
Preface of the book mentions this book as a sequel to "Looking for the Rainbow", memoir that surely attracts all the ages with the colour cover page, and black and white illustrations in the book.
November 10, 2019
This book is simple and amazing memories making.
December 5, 2019
It's such a beautiful book. It's heartwarming and so simply written. Nothing complex. And so relatable.
August 7, 2020
The squele of Looking For The Rainbow.
Fantastic novella
Loved It
Fantastic novella
Loved It
June 2, 2021
once in a while, good to read small stories.
July 19, 2021
This is how you write in English when writing about adventures in India. This story is so simple yet so engaging. It is childhood in a book and the illustrations are as beautiful as the story.
September 30, 2022
Heart warming and so real from a 10 year old. Could actually picture the whole story 💕
March 14, 2025
❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 25, 2020
Till the clouds roll by is the sequel of Ruskin Bond's book- "Looking for a Rainbow". The book takes forward his journey of life after his father, whose sudden precipitation leaves him in a shock and takes him to his mother's and stepfather's house. It's over a 70-year-old memory lane by the author which subtly narrates his relation with his mother, brothers, stepfather, city of Dehradun and unlikely friendship with all set of people on the trip. For his fondness for books, love for exploring new areas and adaptable nature helped hi settle in an unfamiliar home. This sequel is a classic memoir of Mr Bond, which is a smooth and soulful read for any age reader. For harsh winter like these days in Delhi, it's a warm read.
August 16, 2024
5 stars.
I read this when I was in 2nd grade, I decided to read it again! It was super nostalgic 😭🤌🏻
It was my fav book it’s not something I would read now, but my younger me would rate this a five star ;)
I read this when I was in 2nd grade, I decided to read it again! It was super nostalgic 😭🤌🏻
It was my fav book it’s not something I would read now, but my younger me would rate this a five star ;)
July 20, 2022
In the second book “Till the Clouds Roll By: Beginning Again”, Ruskin Bond spends his vacation with his mother and stepfather. We see Ruskin’s adventurous side and his growing love for reading. The reader gets to know where Ruskin’s love for reading/written word comes from. The gradual attempt of an introvert to find an escape from the boring reality and unexpected friendships comforts Ruskin as he deals with the loss of his father. It is another warm story that would motivate its readers to deal with their own personal tragedies and find positivity in life.
April 19, 2019
I love this wonderful 📚
November 15, 2022
Book 88 of 2022-Till the clouds roll by
Author- Ruskin Bond
“I had become an incurable bookworm,and was to remain one for the rest of my life.”
This is the sequel of “Looking for the rainbow”. What happens in life after his father’s death is what this book is all about. His days with his mom and his stepfather-it wasn’t that great,he had no other way,but to spend his holidays with them.
Even though it was hard for Rusty,he still manages to find a way to enjoy the little things in life. He enjoys his time with the cook and the cook’s son,how he found solace in books,his love for animals,birds was yet again witnessed by the readers through this book.
The bond between him and the step father’s ex-wife was really beautiful and adorable. “Enjoying someone’s enjoyment”-That’s what Rusty has done in his childhood and school hood days. That’s the typical “Ruskin Bond” element.
After spending the vacation, he boards the train and goes back to boarding school. It was sad. Poor Rusty! He has gone through a lot in such a young age,yet he managed to celebrate the little things and little joys of life! How beautiful is that🥺
#rustyseries #ruskinbondbookclub #ruskinbond
Author- Ruskin Bond
“I had become an incurable bookworm,and was to remain one for the rest of my life.”
This is the sequel of “Looking for the rainbow”. What happens in life after his father’s death is what this book is all about. His days with his mom and his stepfather-it wasn’t that great,he had no other way,but to spend his holidays with them.
Even though it was hard for Rusty,he still manages to find a way to enjoy the little things in life. He enjoys his time with the cook and the cook’s son,how he found solace in books,his love for animals,birds was yet again witnessed by the readers through this book.
The bond between him and the step father’s ex-wife was really beautiful and adorable. “Enjoying someone’s enjoyment”-That’s what Rusty has done in his childhood and school hood days. That’s the typical “Ruskin Bond” element.
After spending the vacation, he boards the train and goes back to boarding school. It was sad. Poor Rusty! He has gone through a lot in such a young age,yet he managed to celebrate the little things and little joys of life! How beautiful is that🥺
#rustyseries #ruskinbondbookclub #ruskinbond
December 8, 2022
"Most of us grow in our teens or twenties. I think I grew up when I was ten." 🗓️
It's the kind of book which will leave you nostalgic for a really long period of time. It will make you want to visit your past and relive those moments for one last time. A beautiful brief memoir of the time when Rusty returned to Dehra on his school vacation, after his father's demise. A must-read for all Rusty fans.
Also, @artofmihir has made so many beautiful illustrations in this book. 💙
"The shower passed on to the hills, the train to the plains. The sun came out and the clouds rolled by, and a rainbow lit up the sky." 🌧️🌫️🌈
#ruskinbond #tillthecloudsrollby
It's the kind of book which will leave you nostalgic for a really long period of time. It will make you want to visit your past and relive those moments for one last time. A beautiful brief memoir of the time when Rusty returned to Dehra on his school vacation, after his father's demise. A must-read for all Rusty fans.
Also, @artofmihir has made so many beautiful illustrations in this book. 💙
"The shower passed on to the hills, the train to the plains. The sun came out and the clouds rolled by, and a rainbow lit up the sky." 🌧️🌫️🌈
#ruskinbond #tillthecloudsrollby
August 4, 2020
A good afternoon read ...
While most of the chapters are derived from the existing material of 80s of prior (visiting mother in Dehra, stepfather's wife, going to cinemas, making friends), the experience is pleasant - friends in small places, falling in love with books , the trains rushing past the quaint villages, the emotions of a boy regarding vacations and memories, etc.
A good read but again, nothing new.
While most of the chapters are derived from the existing material of 80s of prior (visiting mother in Dehra, stepfather's wife, going to cinemas, making friends), the experience is pleasant - friends in small places, falling in love with books , the trains rushing past the quaint villages, the emotions of a boy regarding vacations and memories, etc.
A good read but again, nothing new.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews