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Rohinton Mistry - A Fine Balance

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In India during the mid-1970s, after a "state of internal emergency" is declared, four very different people--a widowed seamstress, a student, and a man and his nephew who have fled their village's caste violence--find their lives becoming inextricably intertwined.

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Crush of Humanity displayed in A Fine Balance
Dec 25, 2001

Pros: Wonderfully written compelling story.

Cons: Darkest side of humanity on display.

Bottom Line: The brightest and darkest sides of humanity are displayed wherever there is poverty. A Fine Balance shows both in abundance. Substance and heart, this is an epic novel.

Author's Rating

A Lady, Her Three Roommates, and a Rare Bond
May 14, 2003

Pros: Very thought provoking, and excellent characterization

Cons: None

Bottom Line: A must read for everyone.

Author's Rating

A Fine Book
Jan 15, 2003

Pros: A page-turner that you won't be able to put down.

Cons: none.

Bottom Line: This is the kind of book that makes you thankful that gifted authors exist in this world.

Author's Rating

India is a dream , a nightmare, renewing and rotting all at once.
Jun 29, 2002

Pros: Beautifully written, historically interesting, fascinating plot, wonderful characters

Cons: It doesn't go on forever!

Bottom Line: Absolutely brilliant, rich and satisfying. The story, characters and adventures are clearly and beautifully drawn. The reader is captivated by this messy, horrifying, cruel and beautiful world that is India.

Author's Rating

A City by the Sea.
Jan 26, 2002

Pros: The Great Indian Novel, Rich, Vivid and Moving

Cons: None.

Bottom Line: Its almost impossible to put down 'A Fine Balance'. Rohinton Mistry brings the characters alive, we live and grow with them, and wonder what happens to them after the book.

Author's Rating

The Next "Grapes of Wrath"
Nov 06, 2003

Pros: deep, rich, full of truth, believable characters

Cons: very, very dark and sad; full of unpleasant images that will stay with you

Bottom Line: Although this book is depressing, it reveals something important about humanity and breaks you out of your comfort zone.

Author's Rating

A great Indian novel.
Feb 04, 2000

Pros: Eloquent, passionate, political, human

Cons: Bleak end, for me, had impact but lost humanity.

Author's Rating

Draws you in; exquisite connection to humanity; simultaneously painful and glorious
Jan 25, 2002

Pros: good read: draws you in fast, keeps your interest; makes you think/care about broader world

Cons: parts are painful you're emotionally involved with the characters' struggles

Bottom Line: Pulls you out of your own small world; puts "things" in perspective. You come away gentler for having read it; more patient and definitely more grateful for all you have

Author's Rating

Striking A Fine Balance
Dec 29, 1999

Pros: Fast-paced, Funny, Informative overview of Indian recent history

Cons: At 600 pages, many will be put off by the length. I wished it were longer

Author's Rating

A tragic story about a tragic country
Feb 06, 2000

Pros: Story captures India well

Cons: Almost unbearably depressing, like the country itself

Author's Rating

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