Delhi is not far brings together essays, short stories, unpublished articles, excerpts from previously published novels, travelogues, poems, and finally a novella of the same name. The author provides diverse content spanning different periods of his life. You may encounter shifts in style and approach. If you read in chunks, these disconnects become less noticeable. Some stories may not have morally correct outcomes.
Most stories are autobiographical, connecting to the author’s childhood experiences. The backdrops of many stories are from the hills. The novel is about the youthful aspirations of two young men to make it to Delhi. There is queer love between these boys that makes it a bit complicated.
The other novella in the collection, Life Stops at Shamli, is a strange one. Is it a real place or a fantasy land? Is the author meeting some real people or ghosts living on a timestop - will haunt you. Ruskin Bond makes you hear out their stories in a non-judgmental way. This is something you would do easily in childhood, but the adult interpretation can be hard. Maybe a story to read without overanalysing it.
Overall, the book showcases the author's diverse writing and is a good read.
