A Fine Balance

Rating:
Summary: A simply perfect novel
Review: It's not often that I read a book of this length without wondering at some point, why didn't the author cut it. There isn't a sentence, a scene, a character, that doesn't belong in this novel. I lived with these characters and when I came to the end of this novel I couldn't believe I wasn't going to be able to read more about them. This book is one of the most finely wrought novels I've ever come across. I didn't want it to end, it was all too real, all too moving, all too funny for me to accept that it was over

Rating:
Summary: A Fine Balance - A Great Book!
Review: This is one for those who enjoy the `magic realists' but sometimes want a bit more realism than magic. This book is a carefully constructed and crafted tale of four strangers who come together during a State of Emergency in India. Each of the characters gets their own tale told - and it is evidence of Mistry's craft and skill, that we find ourselves involved and connected with each of the characters at the time their tale is told, even though at times it pits them against some or all of the others. There are some beautifully observed set pieces, like the political rally - which contains some very funny and wry observations. The beauty and humour of this book is matched only by the awfulness and arbitrariness of life under the State of Emergency - indeed, a "fine balance." Once you start, you'll be hooked - you'll keep reading until you finish this delicately and wryly observed novel. I found myself propelled along until almost the very end, when I was almost reluctant to pursue the unfolding tragedy. Ultimately, I finished the book with a feeling I've seldom experienced upon a novel's conclusion - one of exhaustion and of anger, but one of having felt privileged to observe the life journey of some of the most fascinating characters I've met; humbled by the many instances of generousity and sacrifice; horrified and anguished by the simply arbitrary actions performed by some; and ultimately thankful that the opportunity to meet these people passed my way. Read it - it's Rushdie without the ambitious technique; it's Seth without the heft. It's simply fine - it's simply great.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping tale of India1s poor fighting to retain humanity
Review: This is one of the finest books about India ever. It rips along, involving the reader intimately in the everyday lives of its characters, and in the process it educates and enlightens. Everything is here--politics, social conditions, Third World economics, religion, the caste system--but there are no long passages where you know the author is trying to fill you in and educate you.. All this is woven into the complicated fabric of people1s lives and how it affects them. In my mind, this is the best way to learn about a place. Next-best thing to being there. I raced through this hefty bookÐwhich is not just content-laden, by the way, but also is beautifully writtenÐ by reading late into the night and getting up early in the morning to read more before leaving for work. And then, when I was finished, I felt bereft because there was no more. And this was a feeling I did not have at the end of A Suitable Boy, the other huge Indian novel now on the market. I enjoyed it, learned from it, but never was involved in it as I was in Mistry1s amazing portrait of the enduring human spirit

Rating:
Summary: "A Fine Balance" Echoes "The Good Earth"
Review: I actually have yet to finish "A Fine Balance" by Mistry. I have only devoured the first 200 pages. However, I needed to stop and pass on this message: "A Fine Balance" echoes the themes and characters found in "The Good Earth." In all the reviews I have read, I found Mistry compared to Dickens and Rushdie, but we cannot forget to compare him to Pearl Buck. I had to write this review before finishing the novel since I cannot escape the endless journey through the Hindu culture without feeling the similaries to the Chinese culture represented in "The Good Earth." The marriage rituals, families, social conditions, social sanctions, rising to wealth, and falling to shame... "A Fine Balance" even surpasses "The Good Earth" as it encompasses many more vivid characters and their histories, woven into each other's lives during desperate times. The characters truely become your friends, and I am forcing myself to read the book slowly so that the characters stay with me even longer. I will rewrite this review once I finish, but I highly recommend this literary microcosm already.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book / ugly resolution
Review: I read this book from start to finish in pretty much one sitting. Its four leading characters were full of compassion, hope and courage. Despite countless trials and tribulations, these characters succeeded in standing tall and thriving where others should have failed. I found this book empowering beyond words. Why only three stars? The last section of the book was probably the worst thing I've ever read. Without giving anything away, I was left with the feeling that I would have better off never having "met" these characters. It became almost comical and, in my opinion, rather trite, how Mistry made all of his characters -- both major and minor -- come full circle. The last impression I had is that this is one of the worst books I've ever read.

Rating:
Summary: Even better while reading it in India!
Review: I am currently studying abroad in India and I picked up this book at a bookfair in Calcutta. I can't put it down! This book IS India. Other reviewers complain that the book is depressing because of all of the horrific things that happen throughout the novel, but these things HAPPEN and it's amazing how Mistry has been able to document it all. India isn't about covering up the sad aspects of life because they exist and they must be recognized and accepted as part of life along with the positive.

Rating:
Summary: 1 star might be harsh, but...
Review: I feel that I need to balance the scale a bit (There are way too many 5-star ratings for this book!). Mistry is a fine writer who creates memorable characters with great depth...however, this book left me utterly numb. I've read books about sad, depressing subjects before (i.e., other Oprah books), but Mistry definitely takes the prize. As one reviewer puts it "...what the hec else can happen to these people?? And, sure enough, worse things kept coming. Became rather funny in a sick way." This is absolutely my thought. I can remember coming to work while reading this book and telling my officemate the latest misery. He was so amused that to this day he still asks me about the beggarmaster. I'm amazed to see that so many people enjoyed this book. To each their own....

Rating:
Summary: The characters make themselves a part of your life
Review: This book was the beginning of my love affair with the Indian authored novel, Mistry is comparable to Dickens in the scope of this book, but the story telling is superb. You are drawn in and continually want to know "why?" and "what's next".
The story is of 4 characters who come to share a small flat in India during a trying time. The story of how they move from strangers into family is one of heartache, some humor, and tenderness.
This book will call to you when you arent reading it. Mistry has the ability to make his charcaters so human, you feel complete compassion for them.
At 600 pages it is a hefty read, and I started slow, but at around the middle of the book, I just could not stop reading and found that I finished it, 300 pages in one night. I had never done that before, and I havent done it since.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and even now 2 years later every now and then I come across a situation that reminds me of a situation in this book. To read this book is to give yourself a treat.

Rating:
Summary: curious
Review: I don't tend to analyse a writer while I'm absorbing a story unless their style is distracting...but I'm really stunned that I read 600 pages of horrors and couldn't put it down. Mr. Mistry makes you want to know his characters and care what happens to them even while it's breaking your heart.

Rating:
Summary: IF YOU LIKE READING ABOUT MUTILATION,
Review: starvation, hopelessness, mistreatment, and abuse, then you will love this book. It makes Les Miserables seem light and fun.

I appreciated the skillful writing and learned a lot about India but towards the end of the book, I was thinking to myself, what the hec else can happen to these people?? And, sure enough, worse things kept coming. Became rather funny in a sick way.