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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
F*ck this book
“The human face has limited space. If you fill it with laughter there will be no room for crying.”
I have been contemplating writing this review because when everyone was celebrating valentine's day I was literally depressed from the journey that was this book. It's one of those books that feels personal and resonated with me on a whole new emotional level. I was sure I would love this book based on the blurb:
Set in 1975 contemporary India an unknown city plagued with corruption and the government has just declared a state of emergency, we meet 4 strangers, (Dina) an independent young widow, (Maneck) a young university student coming to the city from his rural home, (Ishvar & Om) Uncle & Nephew looking for work after running from their village. Fate will draw them together and a strong bond will be developed between all of them as they face the deteriorating society surrounding them.
.
I literally can't pass my thoughts across without getting emotional, every time I look at this book my heart breaks. It unleashed something in me that I honestly can't explain. The way the author dropped me into the book and made me experience all the atrocities committed to the characters was surreal. Heavy on the politics, exploration of the caste system, he dove into the rich Indian culture using the characters experiences to pass the point across even the side characters had depth. The book challenges lot's of societal issues and accurately captures how it feels to live in a third world country faced with oppression and a rotting government system. In some instance, I could relate to the political climate as we just experienced one quite similar in Kenya but I was also introduced to various Indian topics, taboos etc. I take pride in my pacifist nature but damn did this book make me angry and it's supposed to evoke those strong feelings because you will realise how privileged we are and it will humble you. If you are reading this review, go read this book and if you have read it I would honestly love to know your thoughts.
“The human face has limited space. If you fill it with laughter there will be no room for crying.”
I have been contemplating writing this review because when everyone was celebrating valentine's day I was literally depressed from the journey that was this book. It's one of those books that feels personal and resonated with me on a whole new emotional level. I was sure I would love this book based on the blurb:
Set in 1975 contemporary India an unknown city plagued with corruption and the government has just declared a state of emergency, we meet 4 strangers, (Dina) an independent young widow, (Maneck) a young university student coming to the city from his rural home, (Ishvar & Om) Uncle & Nephew looking for work after running from their village. Fate will draw them together and a strong bond will be developed between all of them as they face the deteriorating society surrounding them.
.
I literally can't pass my thoughts across without getting emotional, every time I look at this book my heart breaks. It unleashed something in me that I honestly can't explain. The way the author dropped me into the book and made me experience all the atrocities committed to the characters was surreal. Heavy on the politics, exploration of the caste system, he dove into the rich Indian culture using the characters experiences to pass the point across even the side characters had depth. The book challenges lot's of societal issues and accurately captures how it feels to live in a third world country faced with oppression and a rotting government system. In some instance, I could relate to the political climate as we just experienced one quite similar in Kenya but I was also introduced to various Indian topics, taboos etc. I take pride in my pacifist nature but damn did this book make me angry and it's supposed to evoke those strong feelings because you will realise how privileged we are and it will humble you. If you are reading this review, go read this book and if you have read it I would honestly love to know your thoughts.
Set in India in 1975, A Fine Balance reveals the corruption inherent in the State of Emergency called by the Prime Minister and the waves of pain it produced.
Following Dina, a woman widowed young who has struggled to stay unmarried against her brother’s wishes, Maneck, a student living far from his beloved mountain home, and Ishvarand Om, uncle and nephew, who have left their village to make a living as tailors and escape caste violence.
Dina has been working as a seamstress but her failing sight precludes this job. To stay independent, she decides to rent a room to Maneck and hire the tailors, acting as a go-between with a clothing export company. Though initially suspicious of each other, over time the foursome became close, though their peace is threatened time and time again by external forces.
As Mistry unfolds the horrors of the Emergency, he offers flashbacks that provide the harrowing backstories of the primary characters, as well as the colorful secondary cast such as Beggarman who cruelly controls a cadre of homeless but inspires devotion and one of his main earners, a double amputee who moves via a rolling platform, a man who skimps by collecting hair to sell for wigs, and a student leader who advocates for better conditions.
With masterful writing and indelible characters, Mistry shines a singular light on this period in India’s history. At 624 pages, this is an intense and unrelenting book, but it is worth the read if you enjoy literary fiction or books about India.
Following Dina, a woman widowed young who has struggled to stay unmarried against her brother’s wishes, Maneck, a student living far from his beloved mountain home, and Ishvarand Om, uncle and nephew, who have left their village to make a living as tailors and escape caste violence.
Dina has been working as a seamstress but her failing sight precludes this job. To stay independent, she decides to rent a room to Maneck and hire the tailors, acting as a go-between with a clothing export company. Though initially suspicious of each other, over time the foursome became close, though their peace is threatened time and time again by external forces.
As Mistry unfolds the horrors of the Emergency, he offers flashbacks that provide the harrowing backstories of the primary characters, as well as the colorful secondary cast such as Beggarman who cruelly controls a cadre of homeless but inspires devotion and one of his main earners, a double amputee who moves via a rolling platform, a man who skimps by collecting hair to sell for wigs, and a student leader who advocates for better conditions.
With masterful writing and indelible characters, Mistry shines a singular light on this period in India’s history. At 624 pages, this is an intense and unrelenting book, but it is worth the read if you enjoy literary fiction or books about India.
This was like reading a longer version of Candide in some ways. The differences were that the characters weren't archetypes without development and the constant misfortune of the characters wasn't written for satire. This book made me sad, but in an almost enjoyable way.
challenging
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this book was better after chewing on the story for a while.
A Fine Balance is a soul-stirring narrative, so intense that tears would sting your eyes. It's the perfect blend of picaresque and tragedy. It's elements, though created under an impression of "a small world", never ceases to amuse you and in time gives you a new kaleidoscope for life. But the most important of all is the life's formula: If you have a reason to smile, you win.
What a journey this was... this should be taught in schools
My review: http://bondwithbooks.wordpress.com/2010/08/17/a-fine-balance/
“Where humans were concerned, the only emotion that made sense was wonder, at their ability to endure; and sorrow; for the hopelessness of it all.” [Page 556]
Set in mid-1970s, A Fine Balance tells the tale of four unlikely individuals whose lives intertwine during a time of great political unrest and upheaval, shortly after the Indian government declares a ‘State of Internal Emergency’. Mistry explores the lives of four people, a widower, a university student and an uncle-nephew pair of tailors.
To say he captures their day-to-day encounters with humour, insight and empathy would be an understatement. Rather, his writing depicts a rollercoaster of humanity. As Mistry aims to provide his readers with an abundance of detail at every turn of the page, this book encapsulates the very emotion and mind of each individual it introduces.
I absolutely fell in love with this book and allowed myself to travel back in time! A must read for book lovers.
Set in mid-1970s, A Fine Balance tells the tale of four unlikely individuals whose lives intertwine during a time of great political unrest and upheaval, shortly after the Indian government declares a ‘State of Internal Emergency’. Mistry explores the lives of four people, a widower, a university student and an uncle-nephew pair of tailors.
To say he captures their day-to-day encounters with humour, insight and empathy would be an understatement. Rather, his writing depicts a rollercoaster of humanity. As Mistry aims to provide his readers with an abundance of detail at every turn of the page, this book encapsulates the very emotion and mind of each individual it introduces.
I absolutely fell in love with this book and allowed myself to travel back in time! A must read for book lovers.
