With Ruskin Bond. The Man who gave me so much,,,,
This slender book stands out as one of Ruskin Bond’s most wholesome and quietly powerful novellas for young readers. At its core, it is a story of friendship—genuine, transformative friendship that grows in the arms of nature.
The narrative follows three boys: Laurie, an English boy newly arrived in India; Anil, a cheerful and confident local boy; and Kamal, thoughtful and resilient despite a difficult family situation.
Together, they discover a secret pool in the hills near their homes, and what begins as a casual adventure slowly deepens into a journey of self-discovery.
The setting is one of Bond’s richest. The mountains are more than backdrop—they shape the boys’ moods, experiences, and choices. The hidden pool itself becomes a symbol of purity, freedom, and imagination. It is an escape from adult expectations, academic pressures, and the complexities of home life.
For readers, especially young ones, the pool becomes a metaphorical space—a reminder of the natural refuge every child wishes they had.
Bond captures childhood with astonishing authenticity. The boys’ conversations, their daring plans, their arguments, and their loyalties feel real rather than crafted. Laurie’s sense of displacement as an outsider in a new country, Anil’s confidence tinged with mischief, and Kamal’s quiet resilience create a trio that feels emotionally complete.
Their differences enrich the narrative, showing how friendship can bridge culture, personality, and circumstance.
The emotional core of the story lies in Kamal’s challenges—his father’s illness, financial strain, and the uncertainty clouding his future.
Bond handles these darker elements with great sensitivity. He does not shelter young readers from reality, but he also does not burden them unnecessarily. Through Kamal, children learn empathy and courage.
Through Laurie and Anil, they learn the importance of loyalty and compassion.
Themes of nature, identity, belonging, and adventure run throughout the novella. Bond uses small incidents—a picnic, a swim, a storm, a trek—to explore larger truths about growing up.
The boys become braver, kinder, and more reflective without any overt moralising. Bond trusts young readers to understand the lessons woven subtly into the story.
One of the book’s most memorable aspects is its mood of gentle adventure. There are no dramatic villains or high-stakes crises; instead, tension arises naturally from the boys’ explorations and personal circumstances.
This makes the story relatable and emotionally grounded. It teaches that adventures do not need dragons or explosions—only curiosity, companionship, and courage.
Bond’s prose is particularly lyrical here. His descriptions of the mountains, forests, and changing seasons are vivid, almost cinematic.
The reader can feel the chill of the stream, the warmth of the sun, the thrill of climbing a steep path, and the serenity of sitting by the pool as light dances on the water.
This sensory richness makes The Hidden Pool not just a story, but an experience.
In the end, the novella leaves readers with a sense of nostalgia—whether they are children or adults.
It evokes memories of one’s own secret places, childhood companions, and moments of fearless exploration.
More importantly, it celebrates innocence without romanticizing it.
Bond captures the essence of what childhood should be: free, compassionate, adventurous, and in harmony with the natural world.
Most recommended.