A Gathering Of Friends

Featuring twenty-one enchanting stories by Ruskin Bond, A Gathering Of Friends gathers life in India—its sights, sounds, and feelings—into a gentle, accessible collection of literary short fiction. This book is for readers who love warm, human-scale tales—from longtime Bond fans to newcomers seeking comforting, quietly adventurous storytelling—and the tone is inviting, nostalgic, and uplifting. Compiled from Bond's fifty-year career, A Gathering Of Friends pairs beloved standbys such as The Night Train at Deoli, The Blue Umbrella, and Rusty Plays Holi with newer gems like An Evening at the Savoy with H.H. and Dinner with Foster. The writing is Bond's signature—simple, precise, and deeply reverent toward everyday life—so the experience feels intimate and comforting. The stories unfold at a measured pace, weaving memory, humor, and quiet courage through evocative settings, from bustling town squares to tranquil verandas. This collection serves both as a gentle introduction to Bond's world and as a comforting home for regular readers, inviting you to pause, reflect, and imagine. Twenty-one stories that illuminate life in India through warm, human portraits Classic favorites alongside newer pieces selected by the author Simple, luminous prose that invites imagination and reflection Vivid settings and memorable characters rooted in place and time Perfect for reading aloud with a child or settling in for a quiet, solo journey Timeless themes of friendship, memory, and everyday kindness After finishing A Gathering Of Friends, you’ll carry a gentle warmth and a renewed appreciation for small moments that reveal big truths. This collection will stay with you, inviting you to revisit Bond’s world again and again, and to carry its quiet wisdom into your own everyday life.