“…..there is something about the desert, that appeals to my solitary instincts”-----EXACTLY. This is precisely the essence of “Rusty goes to London.” This literary piece, as all other Bond works, offers fun, frolic, and all that is exotic to the young readers.

Rusty, reaches London with his peculiar apprehensions, partly caused by his nostalgic love for Dehra, and partly, due to usual uneasiness experienced by those who are about to taste something new. The reader, quite unknowingly, joins Rusty in his journey ---at times thrilled with his experiences in Limehouse, and at times awe-struck to meet the legendary Sherlock Holmes. It’s like a dream…..where each step forward unfolds something exciting, something new.

Rusty’s fondness for his friends in Dehra, his fond memories made me relive the good-old days with my childhood friends…..some still there, and some lost as we walked through life. His highly fantastical liking for Vu Phong, offers humour and also relates to the infatuative indulgences of the youth. His contemplations on whether or not to propose to her highlight the respective priorities of every age-group.

And not to forget --- the Kipling episode----- which, triumphantly helps children to have the much desired tete-e- tete with their favourite “Jungle Book” author. Bond’s lucid, yet suggestive style presents delightful reading to young and old alike--- ‘old, but definitely young at heart’. He generously caters to the instinct of adventure so very deep in a kid.

The choice of language, easily understandable, is what makes Ruskin bond, really a child’s favourite. Rusty’s voyage back to India---to his Dehra , is like a homecoming---reposeful, relaxing. With his “Calypso Christmas” friends, placed carefully in his heart, Rusty returns to relish the flavour of the India he loves so deeply.

Ruskin Bond, thus ‘bonds’ again.

Devapriya Banerjee