Analysis of Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra

Introduction

Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra, published in 1992, is a collection of 14 interconnected short stories by Ruskin Bond that won him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in the same year. This collection is deeply autobiographical and nostalgic, reflecting on Bond’s childhood and youth spent in Dehra Dun and other parts of India. The stories are characterized by their gentle prose, evocative descriptions of nature, and a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the enduring power of place.

Structure and Content

The collection is not a single narrative but a series of vignettes and episodes from Bond’s life, loosely connected by the recurring presence of Dehra Dun and the theme of memory. Each story stands alone but contributes to a larger portrait of the author’s formative years and the people and places that shaped him. The stories often feature characters who are thinly veiled versions of himself (like Rusty) or people he encountered.

Major Stories and Their Themes

• “Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra”: The title story itself is a poignant reflection on the enduring presence of nature and memory. It speaks of the trees that continue to grow, symbolizing the continuity of life and the lasting impact of childhood experiences, even as people and times change.

• “The Night Train at Deoli”: A classic Bond story about a young man’s fleeting encounter with a girl at a small railway station. It captures the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled longing and the beauty of brief, memorable moments.

• “Time Stops at Shamli”: Explores the theme of nostalgia and the desire to revisit a place where time seems to have stood still. It delves into the bittersweet experience of returning to a cherished past that may no longer exist as one remembers it.

• “A Face in the Dark”: A more eerie and mysterious story, showcasing Bond’s versatility. It deals with a supernatural encounter in the hills, highlighting the presence of the unexplained in everyday life.

• “The Cherry Tree”: A simple yet profound story about a boy who plants a cherry seed and patiently watches it grow into a tree, symbolizing the rewards of patience, the cycle of nature, and the joy of creation.

Major Themes

• Memory and Nostalgia: The collection is steeped in nostalgia, as Bond revisits his past through the lens of memory. The stories are often a gentle longing for a simpler time and the people who inhabited it.

• The Enduring Power of Place: Dehra Dun and the Himalayan foothills are more than just settings; they are characters in themselves. The stories emphasize the deep connection between individuals and the places they grow up in, and how these places shape their identity.

• Nature as Consolation and Companion: Nature plays a crucial role in Bond’s life and work. It is a source of solace, beauty, and companionship, particularly in moments of loneliness or transition. The trees, rivers, and mountains are constant, comforting presences.

• Childhood and Coming of Age: Many stories explore the innocence, curiosity, and formative experiences of childhood, as well as the subtle transitions into adolescence and adulthood.

• Loss and Acceptance: While nostalgic, the stories also acknowledge loss—of people, of time, of innocence. However, this loss is often met with a quiet acceptance and a focus on the enduring beauty of life.

Literary Style

• Simple and Lyrical Prose: Bond’s writing is characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and poetic quality. He uses unadorned language to create evocative and emotionally resonant narratives.
• Evocative Descriptions: His ability to paint vivid pictures of landscapes, seasons, and everyday moments is a hallmark of his style.
• Understated Emotion: The stories convey deep emotion without being overly sentimental. There is a quiet poignancy that resonates with the reader.
• Autobiographical Voice: The collection is written in a distinct, personal voice that feels intimate and reflective, drawing the reader into the author’s memories.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra is considered one of Ruskin Bond’s most significant works, and the Sahitya Akademi Award cemented its place in Indian literature. It is praised for its authentic voice, its gentle charm, and its ability to evoke a powerful sense of place and memory. The collection remains a beloved classic, offering readers a comforting and insightful journey into the heart of India and the enduring power of human experience.