Ghost Stories from the Raj

Have you ever read a formal complaint about haunting? Have you ever thought the official correspondence can be scary to read? Have you ever given a thought that paranormal experiences do not spare the official military officers? How brave men react to paranormal experience? If you have ever asked any of this questions then I have a book recommendation for you. It is called "Ghost Stories from the Raj" (herein after referred to as the book)

The book has no single author. It has been compiled and edited by reputed author Ruskin Bond. I came across this book when I was working with one of the biggest Indian Pharma Companies. We had a vendor's library from which we can borrow books. The name of the book sounded interesting to me hence I had borrowed this book. Not only was the name interesting each and every chapter in the book was equally intriguing.

Now let me tell you little bit about this book. This book consists of formal and official correspondence is between the military officers and their superiors. The overall idea of this book is that a British Military officer was posted in India, where he was posted he experienced a paranormal activity. The officer is scared because of the paranormal experience and hence rights to his supervisor for transfer. These letters come from various officers who were posted in India in different parts and in different time period. They had experienced some haunting or unexplainable experience. They had asked about it to the Indian colleagues. Indian colleagues had told them the origin of the paranormal. Ultimately the officer decides that India is not his cup of tea and requests to return home. This is the basic premise of the book. Don't think of this is a fictional book. These are real life encounters.

When I received this book in my hands first I went through the reviews which were written on the back side of the book. I found them very interesting. Each chapter of this book tells a new experience. It is mind blowing to read these letters. The intent of the officers is not to tell the story or in the narrate the experience. Their intent is to report the incident and request for the transfer. The tone of each chapter is not about story telling, it rather is about reporting the incident to the higher authority. It is strict and formal. Each chapter or letter is written in the formal and official language. Yet they bring a chill down the spine.

In real life, when any person speaks about their encounter with supernatural forces, they are often criticized. They are called backward. A lot of people say that "bhoot" is an Indian concept. No foreigner ever experiences this. I always tell such people, they may think that they are forward thinker but in reality they are ignorant. Books like these prove that the paranormal forces treat everyone equally. They do not see the colour of the skin, caste, creed, or religion. The evidence is very well documented.

Moreover, I believe this book is not as recognized as it should have been. It is massively underrated. In fact, this book could create a sub genre in horror such combines the enforcement with horror. If you are a horror lover or you want to read something different, I urge you to give this book a try. You will surely not be disappointed.

Also if you feel lonely after reading this book you will not feel lonely anymore.