Rusty Runs Away By Ruskin Bond, reviewed by Ananya Goel

Rusty Runs Away By Ruskin Bond

Reviewed by
Name: Ananya Goel (9 years)
School: Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School

‘Rusty Runs Away’, an excellent story touches the reader deeply. It is a story about a shy, sensitive boy Rusty who has a lonely childhood after the death of his father. His mother remarried and not being compatible with his stepfather he is left under the guardianship of his grandparents. After their death, he comes under the custody of Mrs. & Mr. Harrison, who find him more of a burden! Set in Dehradun with a vivid description of its natural life Rusty’s encounter with Miss Mackenzie is highly touching. It shows how a small boy and an old lady share their loneliness through their common love for flowers! The boy is made to join a boarding school as his guardian had to go often on business trips. How he bonds with a stranger on a platform shows his longing for motherly love. After a brief stay at the boarding, he along with a friend decide to chase their dream of sailing across the world. The hardships they endure on way to Jamnagar and their subsequent failure to find Rusty’s uncle’s ship evokes sympathy .When Rusty is again sent to a new school in Simla he finds an excellent friend in Omar. After an unpleasant encounter with his guardian, Rusty again runs away, but this time he finds himself amidst the love and affection of his Indian friends!