A Face in the Dark and Other Hauntings by Ruskin Bond (Hardcover)

“A Face in the Dark and Other Hauntings” is a collection of ghost stories written by Indian author Ruskin Bond. The book was published in 1992 and features a series of short stories that delve into the supernatural and the eerie. Ruskin Bond is known for his evocative writing style and his ability to capture the atmosphere of the hills and landscapes of India, and this collection showcases his talent for weaving ghostly tales.

The stories in “A Face in the Dark and Other Hauntings” are set in various locations, often in the hills of Northern India, where Bond spent much of his life. The collection offers a blend of traditional ghost stories with a unique Indian flavor, incorporating elements of local folklore and culture. Bond’s storytelling is characterized by a subtle and atmospheric approach, where the focus lies on building a sense of mystery and apprehension rather than relying on explicit horror elements.

Throughout the stories, Bond explores themes of the supernatural, the unknown, and the unexplainable. He delves into the human psyche and the emotions that come with encountering the inexplicable. His writing often captures the haunting beauty of the natural world and the interplay between the ordinary and the otherworldly.

The title story, “A Face in the Dark,” is one of the standout tales in the collection, where Bond masterfully builds tension and intrigue as a young boy discovers a mysterious and unsettling presence in his home. Other stories in the collection similarly draw readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is blurred.

Ruskin Bond’s ghost stories are known for their subtlety and depth, focusing on the emotions and experiences of the characters rather than relying on shock value. “A Face in the Dark and Other Hauntings” is a testament to Bond’s ability to evoke a sense of wonder, curiosity, and even unease through his storytelling.

The collection is often enjoyed by readers of all ages who appreciate well-crafted ghost stories that transport them to a world of mystery and imagination while also reflecting the cultural nuances of the Indian subcontinent.