Rating: 
Summary: Great Expectations
Review: Having visited India and having read two Indian history books (_Freedom at Midnight_ and _Raj:The Making and Unmaking of British India_) and having worked with more than 15 Indians for eight years, I appreciate the accurate detail Mistry provides in this exciting book. He weaves the religious, economic, and political complexities of Indian life (mostly during 1970's when Indira Gandi declared a state of Emergency because the courts had declared that she had fraudently attained her office) into a story that shows how the human spirit can rise beyond immense suffering and the rediculous paths history make follow.The book has numerous symbols not the least of which is a quilt. Mistry sometimes makes his symbols too obvious so the reader doesn't have to think much. His writing is easy to read and very fast. It's a newspaper article style. This book exposes the harsh realities of Indian life at that time (much of which still exists). It is a credit to Indians that they are willing to face and dsicuss their history with such honesty and openness. My Chinese friends have a biased idea of their own history! They are unwilling to admit any failure. Except for the Indian motif, this book's story is similar to the ones in Steinbeck's _The Grapes of Wrath_, Frank McCourt's _Angela's Ashes_, or Dicken's _Great Expectations_. It is curious to me that at the time of this review, all of these books (including a_A Fine Balance_ got 4.5 Amazon stars excet _Great Expectations_ which got only 4. Are we really saying _A Fine Balance_ is greater than _Great Expectations_? Or is this a measure of reader's laziness in trying to read an older style of English? Whatever the reason, I think on a scale of 1 to 5, _The Grapes of Wrath_ would be 5, _Great Expectations_ 4, and _Angela's Ashes_ and _A Fine Balance_ would tie at 3. Don't misunderstand, I liked _A Fine Balance_ and recommend you read it. By the way, a glossary would have been nice. The meaning of most of the Hindi, Parsi, and "Muslim" terms can be inferred but the reader is never really sure.
Rating: 
Summary: A Fine Balance
Review: I would like to second the review by Vulcan, of Alberta, Canada. Also, one of the most touching parts of the book was the period of time that Dina Dalal, Maneck and the tailors shared Dina's flat, and became a "family" filled with as much harmony, caraing and good humor as I have seen in fiction. The author not only made these characters real, but made me care about them--suffer, cry, agonize and laugh with them. The book, both in the events portrayed, and how individuals react to them, does one of the better jobs I've seen at showing the innate dignity and individuality of every human being. I am fascinated to know more about the "historical events" that affect Mistry's characters so profoundly, and in some cases, so tragically.
To analogize, I found the book "Dickensian" in scope, and "Shakespearean" in its attention to what might seem insignificant characters, and the "trueness" of their conduct and thoughts.
Rating:
Summary: Do you liked to be depressed?
Review: I read this book on the recommendation of a friend, and had also heard it was one of Oprah's recommendations. Although this book is wonderfully written and paints a realistic picture of India in the 1970s, it was horribly depressing and gets worse as the story goes on. By the time I reached the end of the book, I was so depressed, I was bawling my eyes out. The few good things that I gained from this book was knowledge of India in the 1970s, of which I had none; and I was extremely grateful for the life I have. Compared to the characters in the book, I feel like I won the lottery of charmed lives.
Rating:
Summary: "Living" India
Review: Never having lived in or visited India, I feel like I have a grasp of what it is like there after reading this book. Through wonderful, memorable (and flawed) characters, the author has captured the "feel" of a country we know little about. I especially liked the transformation of Dina Dalal as she grew to care for her such unlikely characters. The evolving of the characters as their lives intertwined was simply brilliant writing. I do hope Mr. Minstry has another book in the works!
Rating:
Summary: Draws you in..
Review: Mistry's _A Fine Balance_ draws you into another world, populated with people you like, hate, and soon see as full fleshed as yourself and the people around you. Though the novel is tragic (definitely great for those in a sad book reading mood), the ups and downs as well as the greater (approachable) political dilemma that faces India during the 70's make this novel one of the most fulfilling I have ever read.
Rating: 
Summary: Relentlessly bleak
Review: A well-written, but relentlessly bleak account of life in India under the "emergency." Mistry places his characters in situations that attract every possible misfortune that could possibly occur in many lifetimes. So much misery loses its impact and at the end I found myself asking "What, this character's mother is still alive? How did that happen?". On another note, some of the "emergency" measures taken at the time of the story can be a cautionary message on government excess that could face us today during the current security crisis in this country if we are not vigilant to protect our rights. Finally, I would like to read reviews from people who lived through these times.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most touching books I have ever read!
Review: The size of the book intimidated me at first, but once I started reading it, it was hard to put down. Rohinton Mistry's fiction is very easy to confuse with reality. The author intertwines the past of every character with their present so you are never lost. It is a little depressing, but extremely touching. Don't let the number of pages scare you. This book is highly recommended if you like reading about other cultures.
Rating:
Summary: A Fine Balance
Review: I can't help but wonder who the author most alligns himself with in this book. I think it is the student, comfortable in his family and home in the mountains. Primarily unchallenged as a spoiled only son where sons are mini gods and daughters are a burden or liablity, he wanders out in his wretched world to find himself. Mistry depicts a desperate nation one I am thankful not to live in, yet my curiosity is peaked and I go willingly but anxiously to India. I finished the book a week ago and his characters particularly the tailors, are in my thoughts every day. I loved how they were completely committed to each other and that gave me hope. Mistry dipicts a sad tale and yet there is so much hope in humanity because of the loving nature of friendships developed in the book. I am balffled at the despair of the student in the final epilogue but I should not be surprised at the ending, as it is hinted at throughout the book. Misty gives me as an American, a different perspective of survival, love, friendship truth and dignity in life. One can be the lowest of low and yet is exalted in love. We see this when we meet the beggarmaster and "worm". Dina is the Mother figure, the grounded practical character who develops into a fully mature person in her acceptance of the impossible, slowly weathered away by life and its mean dealings. She is the central gravitational force all are pulled to for safety, solution and peace. She is portrayed as a widow, one who is worthless to society and she is able to (for a while at least)prove herself by remaining independant, and finding that one is never independant completely, we all need each other. All that happens in life effects everyone else in some way whether we realize it or not. I enjoyed learning about India during the time of Indira Ghandi and am greatful that I only have to visit in a book. A great read.
Rating:
Summary: Balance?
Review: This story draws the reader in, with endearing and lively characters whose lives intersect in an unnamed city in India. The backdrop is the temporary State of Emergency called by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, a tumultuous political time affecting the daily lives of many. Each character's personal life struggles are balanced by hope for the future and snippets of real happiness found in blossoming new relationships. Certain scenes brought tears to my eyes, the writing was poetic and captured a range of emotions. However, somewhere into the novel, there is a decided turn, as if dark storm clouds roll in and perpetually hover over the main characters. One begins to wonder - does the author have a chip on his shoulder that he is working out?
Rating:
Summary: Absolutley mesmerizing!
Review: This has got to be the absolute best book I have ever read. It is one that is difficult to put down and the story absorbs you and takes you into the pages with breathtaking realism. Wonderful, wonderful story teller. I highly recommend it to anyone.
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