How Far Is The River - Short Story - by Ruskin Bond- Notes - SUMMARY

How Far Is The River
-- Ruskin Bond

“How Far Is the River” is a short story written by Ruskin Bond. It deals with the curiosity of a small boy to visit a river.

There was a boy of about twelve years. He was sturdy with countrified hair and black eyes. He liked walking barefoot. He had a curiosity to visit the river which was beyond the mountain. One day his parents went out of the village leaving the boy alone at home with a sketchy meal. He found an opportunity in it to realize his dream of visiting the river. 

The boy put the loaf of bread in a newspaper and set out on his journey. After some time, he met a wood cutter and enquired with him how far the river was.  The wood cutter replied that it was away by seven miles. He also warned the boy that it might be difficult to return before evening. But, the boy continued his journey. He came down the mountain and entered the valley.  He enquired again with a passing by girl who said that the river was twenty miles away. But, the boy wanted to continue his journey.

After an hour, the boy met a shepherd boy who said that the river was nearby. The boy felt hungry and shared his loaf of bread with the shepherd boy.  After walking for some more time, he felt discouraged as the river was not yet in sight.  But he came more than half way and could not go back. So, he continued his journey with much determination.  After walking for some more time in impressive silence,  he went round a sharp bend. The silence broke into sound and he found the river tumbling over rocks far down the valley.  He ran down and entered the river. He felt the coldness of the mountain water. He felt very happy as his dream came true.

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Noojilla Srinivas

Lecturer in English

Govt. Degree College - Alamuru

M: 7981862200

email: noojillasrinivas@gmail.com