Title :
The Parrot who wouldn't Talk
Author :
Ruskin Bond
Publisher
: Penguin India
ISBN :
978-0-14-333068-4
The more
I read Ruskin Bond, the more I admire his writing style. I love how he
feels the need to record the details which may seem insignificant but work
wonderfully in painting the picture perfectly in front of readers' eyes. I
guess this is the reason, readers just want to get transported to the lovely
world of Ruskin the way R.K. Narayan invoked similar feelings for Malgudi. Who
doesn't want to be a part of Swami's world where innocence and simplicity still
rule? Ruskin Bond is not India's best-loved children's writer for nothing.
The
Parrot Who Wouldn't Talk is a collection
of heart warming short stories weaved around some of his friends and relatives.
As he says, "I think everyone has at least one eccentric aunt or uncle in
the family. I had more than one. My boyhood days were enlivened by their
presence. Strong, unforgettable characters, all of them. I hope you'll enjoy
their antics - and mind too!"
He writes
about his grandfather who had an uncanny faculty of studying the habits and
characteristics of people around him and disguising himself as one of them.
Thus he enjoyed getting the 'feel' of someone else's occupation and lifestyle,
be it a street-vendor, a carpenter or even a beggar. Uncle Ken happens to be
just the person who is sought after by trouble itself. It is interesting how he
managed to put Ruskin(when he was nine or ten years old) on a wrong train all by himself.
Ruskin goes on to share his experiences as a boy scout when he earned the cookery badge
for himself and did end up creating an innovative delectable all-Indian
sweet-and-sour jam-potato curry.
There are
more stories around Mr. Ghosh, Aunt Ruby, Uncle Ken and Mr. Oliver with
Ruskin's signature style beautifully adorned with humor making this book a
permanent among the personal collection.
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