Maharani

by Ruskin Bond

NA

Genres: Fiction, Indian Literature, India, Drama, Adult

190 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

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

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot say for sure if this is a autobiographical piece or a fictional one because the 'Maharani' character and the narrator is the author himself.

The author made a disclaimer though:
'So this is not a true story. Nor is it a complete fabrication.'

I didn't like this one. It was really difficult to follow the characters because they were so disconnected from each other. And I as a reader couldn't connect with any of them. Especially the narrator.
It was so unnecessarily long and full of events that were not that important for the story.

Adult read more likely to be written in similar vein of ''Susanna's Seven Husbands'(which was a thrilling read) but this one was really boring and seemed so unimportant to read about.

Nothing about this book was good I would like to say. The writing seems forced, the characters lacked charm, the story missed any kind of plot.

This book could have easily been a short story. It would have been much better represented.

Royal family, the princes addicted to alcohol and drugs, the royal members just partying and resenting their lives and nothing much to do, their pathetic lives in castle like houses... But it was written so horribly bad.

I never thought I would feel like this after reading a Ruskin Bond book.

[Amit · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐

GENRE - FICTION

PAGES - 180

The Novel is about the Life of a Maharani (Queen) of Mastipur who is the childhood friend of the Author.

The queen is quite a flamboyant and colourful personality who is an alcoholic and a maneater with numerous affairs with the men around her.

Ruskin Bond is a fabulous writer whose writing style is pretty easy and entertaining. I wish to read more works of Ruskin Bond, he is witty with a good sense of humor and keeps you glued to the book with his easy language and use of simple words in his novel.

Thank You 💚✌️🙂

[Vikalp Trivedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a coloured canvas with random colours , which consists both beautiful and ugly colours , Ruskin Bond coloured this book with an array of randomly coloured characters and incedents .

'Maharani' by Ruskin Bond follows the story of a surreal friendship between author and his school friend Her Highness Neena of Mastipur and also of the people around them . Written in a very simple language , the book is very engaging .

All the characters are well built and used very nicely by the author are one of the most important reasons of making this book so engaging and awesome . Apart from characters the humour was the other plus point of the book which goes till the last page and plays a pivotal role to keep the reader hooked in a rather plain plot . If Mr. Bond has not added this humor to the book , the book would have not been so wonderful .

A Worthy Read .
4 Stars .

[Asha Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

No, this is not Bond's biography.
.
.
H.H. is the spoilt, selfish, beautiful widow of the Maharaja of Mastipur. She lives with her dogs and her caretaker, Hans, in an enormous old house in Mussoorie, taking lovers and discarding them, drinking too much and fending off her reckless sons who are waiting hungrily for their inheritance. The seasons come and go, hotels burn down, cinemas shut shop and people leave the hill station never to return, but H.H. remains constant and indomitable. Observing her antics, often with disapproval, is her old friend Ruskin, who can never quite cut himself off from her. Melancholic, wry and full of charm, Maharani is a delightful novella about love, death and friendship.

[Samkiti Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think you really need to feel the book to enjoy it. HH was such a beautiful character, a woman living her life on her own conditions. And how her anti-climatic death is synonymous with so many of the so called royals and not just them, but so many people who we put up on a pedestal and expect their demise to be just as interesting as their life (that we have created in our minds). A beautiful book by ruskin bond with his quintessential simple but beautiful narration. And a very unique take on friendship because spending each and every second together is not the constituent of a true friendship, it's the love and care that you have for the other that makes it last the lifetime.

[Book'd Hitu · Rating 1 out of 5]

My first Ruskin.
A hardcover, one of the finest quality book I have. Large margins to make it thick volume but A Big disappointment with the contents!!

Story about a Maharani of Mastipur with Ruskin himself as one of the character. In actual, the story has no direction at all, few incidents here and there and the book is over.

This book failed to arouse any interest in me and barely read it for the sake of finishing it.

In the language of cricket, I feel like an expert bowler bowling without any line and length.

[Sheetal Maurya - Godse (Halo of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruskin Bond’s fan never misses a chance to read his books. :) I have heard about this book and really wanted to buy this book. The title and book cover is really eye-catching and it finally made me buy this book. So let’s check out more about this book.

Do check the full review on the blog Maharani by Ruskin Bond - Book review

Narrated from the point of view of the writer, this book talks about Maharani of Mastipur, Neena also called as H.H. She is a flamboyant widow of Maharaja of Mastipur.

The Maharaja has its own story and the way his first wife and Maharaja dies is surprising to read.

She loves drinking and found solace in different kinds of alcohol. She is also infamous for using her lovers and discarding them. Her two sons are worthless and keep fights with her for money.

I really enjoyed this book. This book is adorned with the black humor which definitely makes you laugh. The serene narration of Mussoorie is worth to read.

[Sourojit Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eponymous protagonist of this series of short stories is the Maharani of Mastipur..widow to a shikar-loving Maharaja, and one-time dance partner to the author. The Maharani sometimes comes across as an insenstive and selfish, yet fun-loving woman for whom the party never seems to end. Living in a rat-infested palace with her golem-like German housekeepr and army of peks and poms..the author relates the most hilarious tales with that little tinge of loneliness and regret floating in the background

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished the review of this one and poof it was gone so here I am writing it again. The previous one was way better as they always are. I have found Ruskin Bond's style of writing always same and there were times I had to check whether I already read this one nonetheless I love his work and they are easy reads. This book had me at the title. I believe I have read all the books with the title named Maharani and one of the book was written by Diwan Jarami Das and it is one hell of a brilliant
Book. I have always been curious of the lives these Maharanis lead partly also by history but this book in particular wouldn't contribute to anything apart from Ruskin's friendship with Neena, Maharani of Mastipur. They shared a lovely bond of friendship and I loved maharani's character. It is an interesting read.

[Prasad Mahajan · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are some things old men are not supposed to do. Like Clint Eastwood should not be speaking at The Republican National Convention. Dear Ruskin should have refrained from ruminating on a story without any direction, momentum, or sense, for that matter. The book is full of quirky, carefree, bouncy signature Ruskin humor. Equipped with sharp wits and pointed one-liners, he wins the heart. But as far as head is concerned, he looks as bad as Clint Eastwood speaking to an empty chair.

[Viju · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much needed easy afternoon read to get me out of the reading funk! Very straightforward storytelling and easy read!

[Grandhi Sai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neena, Seema, Sheela, Leela…come on Ruskin, you could’ve been a bit more creative with the female character names

[Shubhodiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had picked this book for its stunning cover. Maharani, or H.H, owns that aesthetics, drinking away and being the life of the party. The thing about Ruskin Bond's writing is that it's crisp and flows so jovially even during scenes devoid of humor, having shades of more serious kind. The last line especially has my heart- "And if at the end, the times weren't so good, it was probably because the party had gone on for too long."

I quite harbor a special liking for characters like H.H. A woman who lived vivaciously, was bold, especially sarcastic, so straightforward, and yet secretive. Her friendship with Ruskin from the book was interesting and spunky, never a moment of boredom, always so direct and insulting. In a way this story is about loneliness and losing people and yet at the same time about finding a family in the people around you, chance friendships, simple memories to treasure forever.

Simple, stellar and stunning. That sums up Ruskin Bond book alright.

[ẞùrêßh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best ones by Ruskin Bond that I liked. This so because, in this book Ruskin has been a different kind of author. There is the usual love for mountains and nature as in most of his books but Maharani' as a book and as a character does great to capture the reader's imagination. A beautiful protagonist the Maharani has a sly, sarcastic yet humorous take on life. Spoilt to the core by her royal genes, she is a different person when Ruskin visits her, they have a unique relationship that lasts till the very end. This book has some great one liners and explores and observes human thoughts in a very niche and dignified way.

A beautiful line from the beginning of the last chapter - 'Death holds life together. Once we lose our fear of death, something happens to life.'

Read this one for more such treasures by the author on the hills. Love your writings Mr. Bond. Stay blessed.

[Radhika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it! It's smooth, fast-paced and exciting. I was completely a part of Bond's narration and didn't want to put it down. He introduces us to HH, the Maharani of Mastipur--hobbies, lifestyle and unique outlook on things and life. We become a part of Bond's fictional world of fascinating people, perspectives, relations and bonds. It also portrays how people want to live life very differently. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I would definitely recommend reading it, it was a pleasure.

[Dhyani · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Ruskin Bond’s 7 novels, Maharani is crass and unapologetic, just like its characters. From an unhinged princess and her dogs, more beloved to her than her lovers and sons. The novel takes you through a journey of the author and his friendship with the princess. Simply put, the book has no protagonists but only antagonists and their stories in parts. I’d say the novel, with its story and characters isn’t flawed, but it is a story about flaws and how they interact. Every once in a while I pick this book and it serves as a gentle reminder that life will be chaotic, unpredictable (but always somehow funny), people (or rats and dogs), good or bad, maybe permanent or temporary, but one has to strive and live life on their own terms.

[Mehreen Shaikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very rarely, does one come across a character-driven story that is fulfilling. I, surprisingly enjoyed reading Maharani and realized Ruskin Bond writes emotions, sentiments, thoughts and feelings well. In short, he write about life pretty well.
Truly a gifted writer and one, our generation had the good fortune to have around.

[Nabeela · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been years since I’ve indulged myself into a Ruskin Bond book. And reading Maharani, I realized why he was, is, and will always remain one of my favorite authors. His descriptions of rosy sunsets, twinkling twilights, and lush pathways of Dehradun and Mussoorie will never cease to awestruck me. I’ll never get bored of the thin slices of satire softly laced into his writing. The way he has painted the bold and utterly blatant character of Neena is extremely refreshing. Their easygoing, unpretentious friendship is a rather comical aspect of the book. If you’re looking for a light tea time read then this is the perfect pick.

[Vagisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hills. Same Ruskin magic. Way better than the movie.

[Breeliant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impeccable writing with this one!

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Ruskin Bond and the book failed to grasp my attention.
It was a cumbersome chore to finish the book because I believe in finishing the book no matter what.
For people who have enjoyed his stories in the past may have a knack for this book but I haven't read most of his work and i plan not to either.

[Pooja Banga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maharani who drink too much, the real story of Jim Corbett, and friendly ghosts - a magical novella from Ruskin Bond!

H.H. is the spoilt, selfish, beautiful widow of the Maharajah of Mastipur.She lives with her dogs and her caretaker, Hans, in an enormous oldhouse in Mussorie, taking lovers and discarding them, drinking too much,and fending off her reckless sons who are waiting hungrily for theirinheritance. The seasons come and go, hotels burns down, cinemas shutshop, and people leave the hill station never to return. But H.H. remainsconstant and indomitable. Observing her antics, often with disapproval,is her old friend Ruskin, who can never quite cut himself off from her.Melancholic, wry and full of charm, Maharani is a delightful novella aboutlove, death and friendship.

[Ankita · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes an author of immense intelligence to paint a tragedy using the colors of comedy. Bond’s writing is inherent of the flavor of the hills and in this particular narrative it further imbibes the idiosyncrasies of an India that the Britishers left behind. Borrowing his tales from the secret bosom of the hills that can be magnanimous as well as nefarious at the same time Ruskin Bond has created a story of a erstwhile Maharani of Mastipur who seems to have found her only solace in the anticipation of death.

It is a morbid tale of unresolved issues of the heart, mysterious deaths, thankless children, broken families, ghosts from another realm, a helpless pianist, an ominous nun and the list goes on. The magic occurs when Ruskin weaves all these improbable parts of the story into a single tapestry without letting his reader’s attention divert even for a moment from the tale.

His writing is simple and romantic yet filled with dark comedy. Ruskin is not in the league of idealists and yet he is a writer who can see romance in the futility of life. Even in the purposeless, poor and painful story of the dying Maharani who is disowned by her own sons and away from the actual palace of Mastipur where she really belongs, the narrator tries to placate his Maharani’s existence with kind words humoring her with her illusion. The narrator is well aware that the Maharani is not a righteous widow, and probably she had not even been a good wife. Bereft of her palace, most of her royal possessions, and her tiger hunting Maharaja she is actually a very lonely woman searching for love in every stranger’s eyes and sometimes to her own disadvantage gives her heart out too soon and too fast. Her poverty is vividly captured from the very first pages of the book. She offers Ruskin sherry that was gifted to her by one of her admirers; she lives off the kindness of her lovers indulging in such gifted bottles of sherry and having mere tomatoes and cucumbers for lunch. Even life seemed to have disinherited the Maharani in the end.

It is a story that stays with the reader long after the last page is turned.

[Sreejitha Sasikumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! it's a great start to my 2014 reading list. I found the book very interesting and humored. I loved Ruskin Bond's writing style, (this being the first book I am reading of the author). The book had a beautiful cover and hardbound too and that was another reason for buying this.
The author has given a great description of India which i loved a lot. I guess its the Indian authors who gives a rough picture of such a beautiful country compared to the Foreign authors. One more reason why i loved the book.
" But the romance that has been here for centuries, that's still here. the great plains, the desert, the forests, the seas breaking on our coasts, the mountains, the rivers, the down to earth people who belong to the land, the land itself... "

I found myself laughing at this one " Most of the world's troubles are created by impotent men".

And the quote i loved most is
" A cherry when its blooming, it has no stone,
A chicken when it's hatching, it has no bone,
A baby when it's sleeping has no crying...
A story of 'I love you' has no ending... "

[Pooja Khar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each book of Rusty once read pushes me to try his another book. 'Maharani' is written quite strategically & in a way that lures you into a strong desire to turn pages ASAP; you would be interested to know what's happening next. But, after all the enjoyment throughout the book, a big disappointment in the end is that there's no end actually that makes book to be remembered. It gives a feeling of incompleteness, a feeling of thirst not quenched.
But still you can give it a try for the way the story goes on till 'just before the end'.

[Kanchan Shine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love reading Ruskin Bond..then you'll live this one too. Another wonderful narration interspersed with his signature humour and warmth.

[Zed Leppelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting, Period.

[Pratyusha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucid, humorous, tongue-in-cheek: Bond's characters are larger than life and lovable. Beautifully written.

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well it's a Ruskin Bond book. I HAVE to give it full stars.

[Pratiti Majumder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a simple story but the meanings, the messages they were very deep and close to heart. Also Ruskin Bonds usual humor added it an extra touch