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Summary: One of the best novels I've ever read
Review: That about sums it up. Many people say that they don't like modern fiction because too many authors are more interested in style and intellectual brilliance than in creating mature characters and rich plots. Well, A Fine Balance has everything: characters, plots, style and insight. Whenever people ask me for a book recommendation, I tell them to read A Fine Balance. Nobody's complained yet.
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Summary: The "Grapes of Wrath" of India
Review: (PLEASE CHECK MY SPELLING before publishing. Thanks!) Magic realism and unforgettable images arise from a beguiling style and a painful sweetness. Reminiscent of Kafka, Gunthur Grass, and G. Marques, but somehow completely individualistic and without any bitterness at all amid the most profound of individual tragedies and national misfortunes. One feels (and even begins to think) as one in India, and the book is much safer than actually going there!
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Summary: Brilliant! and Depressing
Review: I read the book last year. There is actually not much for me to say except that its amazing that a book can be brilliant and depressing at the same time. So much hardship can happen to a person that you just wonder is there hope? But the potrayal of characters in this book is the stark reality of life for the down trodden casteless people in India - to be totally enveloped in such despair, gloom and desolation. Its a vicious circle to be born of a lower caste.
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Summary: India's caste system, society & impact on its people.
Review: The novel's characters act out, with devastating impact, how India's Untouchables and women are treated in both city and village. Their story leads to understanding the immense problems in this populous nation, showing the endemic graft and age-old superstitions and hatreds and how people are impacted, and government's futile and often punishing responses to over-population. The main characters are real, their described lives beyond the scope of anything known in the USA. Must reading for anyone interested in India, its policies and peoples.
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Summary: A book that will change you, quite brilliant
Review: Mistry manages to question the very society we live in, our responses and de-senstisation to the world we live in and how no one can judge another without having walked in his/hers shoes. What he has to say isn't pleasant nor does he try to evoke in us some misguided faith in miracles. What he does do however, through the lives of Mann, Dina Om and Ishvar is show us a glimpse of how beautiful human friendships and bonds can be. However alongside this is the truth that these characters do not live in a vacuum and decisions made by the establishment (Indira Gandhi's emergency in 1974) are to change their lives forever. Whilst greed and crooks are all part of this novel Mistry handles them with care (not to be confused with undue sympathy) illustrating that even the crooked policeman has a family to feed. So whilst Kundera may argue the people of Russia shared in the responsibility of Communist terror, Mistry shows us how fear even if not condonable sould not always be condemned. In a world where the media is often used to sedate not stimulate it is refreshing to come across such a non-judgemental and honest account of the atrocities of life. A fine balance will change the way you see the poor person in the street. It combines the tragedy of life and its few sweeter moments and will essentially change you...an experience you shouldn't miss
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Summary: A touching story which is beautifully written.
Review: Rohinton Mistry is a talented author. He commands word and image in lovely harmony. The story will inspire you... he juxtaposes both sides of human nature in an uncompromising way. Buy this book, for you will enjoy every word.
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Summary: Excellent!
Review: The people below have all said it - read this book! You will be glad you did. I couldn't put it down - I was reading it on the subway, elevators - you name it.Warning - if you suffer from depression be careful with this book.
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Summary: Absolutely marvelous!
Review: I read this book over two years ago, and is one of my 4 favorite books. It is a book to get lost in. I love history and learned so much about the history and culture of India. It is a book I cherish along with Love in the Time of Cholera, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Anna Karenina. After first reading the book, I made a habit of promimently displaying it whenever I was in any bookstore. Why didn't this book win every prize available? It is long, but sooooooooo good! I loved Mr. Mistry's shorter novel. (But please, write another long one for me.) I am waiting for it. Why don't more people know about this book? Read it please, to give him and his publisher the impetus for more. You will adore it!
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Summary: Incredible
Review: Please write another novel soon Mr. Mistry
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Summary: Life in India with real sounds, smells, tastes and drama
Review: This was one of the most impressive books I've ever read about real life struggle in India, particularly in Bombay. Every bit of space, food or even compassion is welcome! A pearl!
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