A Time For All Things

by Ruskin Bond

A lifetime of reading and writing, observation and contemplation is distilled in this comprehensive volume of the best essays, profiles and sketches by Ruskin Bond, the masterly and compassionate chronicler of the small details and luminous moments that capture the essence of a meaningful life. By turns thoughtful, humorous, keenly observed and wise, these essays span more than sixty years of his writing—from reflections on companionship and solitude, to lyrical yet finely honed appreciations of nature, to nostalgic evocations of bygone people and ways of life. As an essayist, he brings to his travel narratives about the major pilgrimage centres of the Himalaya, or the story about searching for the gravestone of a long-forgotten author, the same empathy and sense of wonder that mark his accounts of glimpsing an elusive leopard, or watching the mist rise in a forest of pines.

A Time for All Things contains the finest non-fiction of a singular writer who has inspired and comforted three generations of readers with his sustained, steady and affectionate engagement with life in a world that grows ever more hectic

Genres: Nonfiction, India, Short Stories

400 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2018

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

[Fiza Pathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a pleasure to read the works of Ruskin Bond. This volume is a wonderful collection of his essays & some sketches & should be read & re-read by everyone. Partitioned well & thought provoking pieces. I especially loved the pieces on nature & the writers life. A must read & a must have for everyone who reveres Ruskin Bond.

[Gorab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best collection I've read from Mr. Bond. Second only to Lone Fox Dancing.
Unlike many of his other works, this one felt complete - as there were no unnecessary blank pages, or blank spaces left intentionally to increase the page count.
No new writings, still a well compiled collection nevertheless.

This is one sure shot way of curing any slump. Such heart warming stories. Such candidness.
Highly recommended.

[Vinayak Hegde · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Ruskin Bond’s writing is beautiful, evocative, and mellifluous. A Time for All Things is a delightful collection of essays covering a range of topics—from his life as a writer to his wanderings in the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas. The travelogue section, in particular, stood out to me with its vivid descriptions and quiet reflections.

Another highlight is the section on India and its people, filled with sharp observations and gentle wit. Though Bond is best known for his fictional stories, this collection of essays is equally enjoyable and showcases his versatility as a writer. A thoroughly rewarding read for fans of his prose and anyone who enjoys thoughtful, well-crafted essays.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Ruskin Bond is the balm for a battered soul. I savour his essays a chapter a day and year for mountains and valleys and the streams rippling through the forests. This book will not disappoint any reader, new to Bond's writing or an ardent fan. I belong to the former, having only read a couple of his books in my childhood. Mind you this book caters to sensibilities of both the young adult and adults

[Ankita Ojha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful thing I've ever read. Each essay was so beautiful I read this book over the course of year and am sad that it's over. This book taught me how to appreciate nature and give it the attention and respect it deserves.
Will be starting another Ruskin Bond book soon. And I don't think I'll stop till I've read them all 💛

[Sucharita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. Comfortable. Soothing. I lived in the Hills of the Garhwal dist. The himalayas....it was bliss

[Parikhit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like every other tourist I picked up this book from Cambridge Book Depot at Mussoorie, not expecting Ruskin Bond to be there due to the pandemic! After having read the book, I feel nostalgic for the mountains and my mountain home, the pines, the deodars, the rhododendrons, ferns and flowers! Ruskin Bond has a way with his simple words and vivid description, transporting one into the wilderness of the Landour mountains, or the dusty streets of Delhi, or the snow capped peaks of Chandrashila. Though he talks about not having a "philosophy", very cleverly the philosophy of a simple happy life, being at peace with oneself and true to oneself underlines the essays. It certainly is a must read.

[Vivek Joshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would definitely choose Ruskin Bond over James Bond any day!!
This collection of essays/short stories is a beautiful collection of authors childhood/life/journeys/experiences/thoughts on different topics.
Such simple and lucid writing sans any ‘refer a dictionary’ words. I listened to the audiobook during my evening walks and car commute. Felt like I had someone accompanying me and narrating his own experiences.
Definitely recommended.

[Nisarg Hivare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bond is always refreshing.

[Tina Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

He essays and sketches take me back and forth
and then back again to the deodars and hills.
some where a little boring but I assure you he makes up for all that too.
Mostly a life journal, I love it more because I've been to the places he has and now when I think about it, it has a eerie feel to it.
A time for all things is all the more hope I needed. Having a little faith in the universe and it decisions.