Book Review – “Snake Trouble” by Ruskin Bond

The Plot
Snake Trouble is a short and witty anecdotal story from Ruskin Bond’s treasury of hill-town tales. The plot is simple yet delightful: a harmless pet python kept by a boy becomes the cause of unexpected commotion in a peaceful house. What starts as an innocent fascination with reptiles soon turns into chaos when the snake, in classic Bond style, chooses the worst moment to reappear—causing both fear and hilarity.

Character Analysis
The characters in Snake Trouble are etched with light touches. There’s the narrator, ever-curious and amused, the boy with the python—proud and fearless—and the classic Indian household that erupts into panic at the sight of the snake. Bond doesn’t dive deep into backstories, but through expressions and reactions, he captures the essence of each personality. The characters are everyday people caught in an unexpected, comic scenario.

What Makes It a Great Read
The charm of Snake Trouble lies in its humour and pacing. Bond masterfully builds anticipation and then releases it with a punch of comedy. His ability to take a simple event and turn it into an engaging, layered narrative is what makes the story memorable. The imagery, the reactions, and the casual tone make it an enjoyable read—especially for children and young adults who love light suspense with a laugh.

Literary Achievement
Ruskin Bond excels at blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. In Snake Trouble, he draws from the natural surroundings of the hills and adds his signature warmth and wit. The story doesn’t aim to preach or philosophise—it simply celebrates the unexpected, the absurd, and the uniquely Indian household reaction to a slithering surprise. It’s storytelling at its most delightful—crisp, clever, and endlessly re-readable.