Nature

The bulk of the novel focuses on Bond’s characters’ forays into nature, and each individual character’s pursuit of happiness, nostalgia, and comfort from their interactions with the natural landscape of India, allowing Bond to demonstrate how much happiness can be derived from a simple life complete with introspection but the additional necessity of nature. From the first story, Rakesh has a large measure of freedom for a boy of his age, and he derives joy from getting his hands dirty outside while exploring and venturing to the market to buy his favorite cherries. He initially finds nature to be complicated when he tries to plant his own cherry tree with his grandfather’s help. After numerous setbacks and discouragements, he perseveres and demonstrates patience with his tree until it blossoms and produces sweet cherries. He compares the beauty of his small tree to the...