The Room On The Roof & Vagrants In The Valley by Ruskin Bond

The book, The Room On The Roof, Vagrants In The Valley: Two Novels Of Adolescence, is a collection of two novels written by the famous Indian author with a British background, Ruskin Bond. The novel, The Room On The Roof, was the first literary work by Ruskin Bond, which was written by him at the age of seventeen and published at the age of twenty one. This book was followed by the second novel, Vagrants In The Valley. Many believe that the second novel is a continuation of the first novel.

Both novels have Ruskin Bond’s signature simple writing style, masterfully described scenes of nature, and palpable emotion that is evident in the coming-of-age style of both stories. The novel, The Room On The Roof is the story of a sixteen year old Anglo Indian boy named Rusty who lives in Dehradun. This orphan boy happens to stay with his strict guardian, Mr. Harrison, whose strict ways become difficult to live with for the young Rusty. This teenaged boy, one day, runs away from his home to stay with his Indian friends.

The novel beautifully brings out the enthusiasm and the interest of Rusty who is both inquisitive and willing to know about the Indian culture and traditions. The novel also brings out unexpected things that Rusty feels and experiences.