Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra

Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra is a collection of 14 autobiographical short stories by Ruskin Bond, published in 1991 and awarded the Sahitya Academy Award. The stories trace Bond's childhood in Dehradun, India, focusing on his experiences in nature and with family. Each tale brings to life the landscape and atmosphere of mid-20th century Dehradun through Bond's memories of local forests, mountains, and the trees that surrounded his home. The narratives include encounters with family members, school friends, and teachers at both his local school and boarding school in Shimla. The collection follows Bond's growth from early childhood through his school years, capturing key moments and relationships that influenced his development. His observations of the natural world intertwine with stories of friendship, family dynamics, and daily life in a small Indian town. The book stands as a meditation on memory, place, and the enduring connection between humans and nature, while documenting the social and physical landscape of a specific time in India's history.

Readers connect with Bond's personal memories of growing up in Dehradun and his observations of nature, small-town life, and relationships. The memoir-style essays resonate with both Indian readers and those unfamiliar with the setting. Readers appreciate: - Vivid descriptions that transport them to the foothills of the Himalayas - Simple, clear writing style - Nostalgic yet unsentimental tone - Stories about the author's father and childhood friendships Common criticisms: - Some essays feel repetitive - Collection lacks cohesive structure - A few readers found the pace too slow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon India: 4.4/5 (100+ ratings) Reader quote: "Bond makes you feel like you're sitting on a veranda in the hills, listening to stories from an old friend" - Goodreads reviewer Several readers mention returning to specific essays multiple times, particularly "The Cherry Tree" and "My Father's Last Letter."

Plain Tales from the Hills by Rudyard Kipling Stories set in colonial India capture the same essence of small-town life and human connections that Bond portrays in his Dehra tales.

A House for Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul The narrative follows one man's life in Trinidad through a series of houses and homes, reflecting Bond's focus on place and belonging.

Village by the Sea by Anita Desai Two siblings navigate life in a coastal Indian village, echoing Bond's themes of childhood, nature, and rural Indian life.

The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng A tale set in the mountains of Malaya explores memory and connection to nature through the lens of a Japanese garden.

Tales from a Mountain City by Quynh Dao Personal narratives weave through life in a highland city, mirroring Bond's intimate portrayal of hill station existence.

🌿 Dehradun, the setting of the book, is known as the "Valley of Flowers" and sits at the foothills of the Himalayas, creating a unique microclimate perfect for the diverse flora Bond describes. 📚 Bond wrote his first novel, "The Room on the Roof," at age 17 while in England, homesick for the very Dehradun that features in this collection. 🏆 In 1999, Bond received the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his contributions to children's literature. 🌳 The trees mentioned in the book's title refer to both literal trees Bond climbed as a child and serve as a metaphor for enduring memories and roots that survive despite change. 🎬 Several of Bond's works, including stories from this collection, have been adapted for Indian television and film, making his narratives accessible to an even wider audience.