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Summary: Life-changing book
Review: A friend of mine that I deeply respect who reads a book or two a week showed me this book and simply said, "This book changed my life." Whoa, I thought, this is worth reading.I was nearly halfway through before I started to like the book. Then I fell in love, with the characters, I fell hard and was reeling the rest of the book. One of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had in life was reading this book.
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Summary: Moved me to tears
Review: I can say with confidence that this is one of the books that have affected my life. The characters in the book were so real, I would often think- hey, I know someone like that. The story is something of an epic and there are places where Mistry can be a bit wordy, but all of this is overlooked because of the full and devistatingly beautiful story that develops. Actually there are many stories rolled into one. I loved this book and I will forever keep it close to my heart.
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Summary: The Most Depressingly Good Book I've Read in Years
Review: I think the title to my review says it all. I had the book on my shelf for quite some time; I was not sure that a book about India in the 1970's was going to be interesting. But once I picked it up, it was hard to put it down. The lives of the characters are richly detailed, their struggles heartfelt and at times unbelievable. This book shows how human beings can be the cruelest species on Earth, and how kind we can be as well. It's hard to believe what these characters endured could really be based on reality, but I imagine that it's not far off. It's an eye opening novel. You will enjoy the characters and feel greatly for them. Don't skip this book, but make sure your Paxil or Prozac has kicked in first!
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Summary: Dickensian
Review: Contrary to other people's beliefs, this book is easy to turn: sure the details can be gruesome, or a little hard to stomach (it's probably the best way to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the slums of India short of actually going), but the way it is written is exquisite: Mistry is a brilliant writer, and his prose is at once evocative and expressive. Read it for the inherent humanity that underlines every terrible event, and they way it's all brought together. You will love this book, even if you have trouble stomaching it.
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Summary: The wretched of the earth
Review: Though beautifully written, with a page-turning plot, this is a hard book to read: it offers no illusions, no 'happy end'. But it is, as the Indian reader noted, a crash course in the extreme struggle for survival of the poor - and of the not-so-poor who wish to lead an independent life. I feel that "this is how life itself would speak, if it could speak".
Mistry's book could serve as a perfect introduction to studies on underdevelopment or Indian social studies. But make no mistake, it's a real work of literature. No characters here are made of cardboard - the 'bad guys" are not cinema villains - in fact I think Mistry did some of his best work with the character of Beggarmaster. Another masterful touch, I felt, and the only thing that survives the characters' efforts to make a life for themselves, is the final little act of defiance. Perhaps Mistry is suggesting that only such acts will make things better, no matter what their cost. A very fine book indeed.
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Summary: Engaging, Engrossing, The Perfect Novel
Review: This is what a novel should be. I hardly knew anything about India before picking up this novel on word of mouth reccommendation, and I was extremely pleased with the experience that transpired on the pages before me. The novel did what every novel should do, tranform you to a different time and place, and make you see the world differently, which I certainly did after reading it. The characters are all very well developed, and the story has an authentic feel. The characters operate under a backdrop of the social / political / economic upheaval in India at the time. More than once I found myself researching Indian history being so moved by the passages to enrich my reading experience. I highly reccommend this book, in fact, I am still searching for a novel that will engage me as much as this one did. Stick with it, you won't be disappointed.
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Summary: I find myself using the phrase "It's a Fine Balance" more...
Review: A Fine Balance was my first experience reading Mistry's works. From the very beginning I found myself tied to the characters - I wanted to know more about them, even though I felt I had little in common with them. The only other work set in India that I had read was _Life of Pi_. While I enjoyed that read, it didn't do much to expose me to the day-to-day struggles of Balance's characters from different castes. I have to say, though, that what affected me most about this work was how it was drawn to a close. The ending will stick with me for a long time. Now, when I use the phrase "It's a fine balance", I know that our lives are precariously balanced, much like the circus child depicted on the cover. My recommendation is to read this work, then immediately read Mistry's _Family Matters_ to get a different view into Mistry's view of Indian culture. I also recommend that you take the time to look up the various Hindi words and names sprinkled throughout this work. Karen
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Summary: One of the best books out there
Review: This book will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. I think this is the best work I have read by an Indian author is a very long time. All of Mistry's works have been excellent so far, and 'A Fine Balance' tops them all.
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Summary: One of the best
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read. I put this book down over a year ago and I still find myself thinking about it. I miss these characters.
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Summary: "JUSTICE IS SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER"
Review: In A FINE BALANCE Rohinton Mistry transports the reader to an unnamed Indian city in 1975 after the government has declared an Emergency to deter all public and political opposition to the Prime Minister. During these uncertain times the four main characters must come to rely on each other for both safety and comfort. Each arrives at the realization that there is a fine balance between survival and despair. They transcend barriers of class and caste to forge real friendships. Previously not acquainted with India, I was consistently amazed at the mass of details portrayed in this book. The poverty and desperation of the lower classes successfully highlights the turmoil of the poor in India. Reading this book was a rude awakening for me that will certainly linger in my subconscious for a long time. It was difficult to put down, and sad to end. I wanted desperately to continue following the characters. Read A FINE BALANCE, then pass it along to others to enjoy and enlighten them. My copy will be loaned to family members and I am looking forward to reading Mistry's other novels. This book deserves 5+ stars.
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