The Room on the Roof (Book Review)

A great tale of salvation centered on a young orphan named Rusty. How he experienced self-reliance for the first time and lived life to the fullest while skillfully handling its complexities with a smile.

The Room on the Roof

I'm not a lover of fiction books, but Ruskin Bond is my first love. Hardy Boys and Ruskin were the first novels that inspired me to move away from comic books. As a teenager, I couldn't grasp some of Ruskin's novels (ideas or stories). 

Perhaps it was my lack of experience or inability to comprehend life's circumstances (as an 18-19-year youngster) that Ruskin so brilliantly depicts. However, the honesty or purity of the Master Wordsmith's tales, woven so simply yet artfully, has always struck a chord with me. Despite not completely comprehending his narrative, I was captivated by his works and, years later, discovered one of his books, "The Room on the Roof."

We know the writer's narration style works well for readers. Some start with a boom, while others open softly and discreetly to enchant their audience. Ruskin Bond is no exception. He can keep the momentum going, as you can see by reading him. Ruskin, in my opinion, is a master artisan of two things: narration and fighting boredom (since he can retain and describe every minute detail while bored).

Thus begins the trip (a pictorial representation of the stages of life)

Here I am writing my review for" The Room on the Roof".

Summary:)

Meet rusty, a 17-year-old orphaned boy (Anglo-Indian), who is on the cusp of adulthood. His journey is a relatable one, a quest to break free from the beautiful yet artificial environment provided by his English guardian, Mr. Harrison, in Dehra Dun, and escape the clamour and bustle of Indians. His rebellious spirit, the will to fight and strive for himself, is a mirror to the teenager in all of us. From being drawn to the vibrant world where he met people and made friends, to experiencing the pangs of first love, especially with a married woman, and then the heartbreak of losing her, Rusty's emotions are ones we've all felt.

This is a wonderful novel, especially considering that Ruskin wrote it when he was 17. Despite my admiration for Ruskin, Sir, this story needs improvement in several areas.

My View 

While the plot of 'The Room on the Roof' may seem a bit shallow and some aspects of the narrative may not align with reality, it's important to remember that this is a work of fiction. The characters, though intriguing, could have been more developed, leaving the reader wanting more. However, these flaws do not overshadow the book's unique charm.

However, what stands out in this novel is Ruskin's remarkable ability to capture life's nuances and translate them onto paper. His words are not just a story, but a window into a thinker's mind. Despite his young age, Ruskin's mental process was remarkably advanced, and this story, flawed as it may be, will still manage to captivate you. 

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