A new book by beloved writer Ruskin Bond will shed light on his lesser known life before he became a successful author, publishers Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House India, announced on 10th July 2020. The illustrated book - "A Song of India", scheduled to hit the stands on July 20, will mark the 70th year of Bond's literary career.

Set in the year 1951, the book takes the reader back to Bond's last year in Dehradun, before he set sail for England to write and "chase his calling". It was also the year that later became the basis for his first novel, "The Room on the Roof" (1956).

After he finished school in Shimla, Bond's mother sent him to stay with his aunt in England for "better prospects" in 1951. It was there that he started writing his first book, "The Room on the Roof", while doing odd jobs at a grocery store and later a photo studio.

After getting an advance of 50 pounds for the book, he managed to come back to Dehradun in 1957, where he wrote short stories to earn a living, before moving to Mussoorie in 1963.

The book sees Bond recalling his stay in England, where he longed for a sense of familiarity. He also talks about experiencing little joys like receiving his first money order, publishing his stories and finding new friends.