Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
Edit: After much thinking and contemplation, I decided to change my rating to 5 stars. I finally received some justification for the shit that goes down and it all makes sense. The circle is indeed complete!
Original review below:
Rating: 4 stars
"You see, you cannot draw lines and compartments, and refuse to budge beyond them. Sometimes you have to use your failures as stepping- stones to success. You have to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair." He paused, considering what he had just said. "Yes," he repeated. "In the end it's all a question of balance."
You see, this was going to a great five starred book. But then stuff happened. Some unnecessary stuff.
The book talks about the lives of various individuals belonging to different socio-economic backgrounds and how their lives intertwine during the Emergency in India in 1975.
It takes a caricature-ish look at the political and societal scenrio during this time and it seems to have mainly aroused from the author's experience during the time.
The book is great, you should read it, but the reactions that follow would be at your own risk as everyone has a way of viewing the world.
"I used to. But now I prefer to think that God is a giant quiltmaker. With an infinite variety of designs.. And the quilt has grown so big and confusing that the pattern has been impossible to see, the squares and diamonds and triangles don't fit well together anymore, it's all become meaningless. So He has abandoned it."
In conclusion: This is a great read, but not everyone's cup of tea.
Original review below:
Rating: 4 stars
"You see, you cannot draw lines and compartments, and refuse to budge beyond them. Sometimes you have to use your failures as stepping- stones to success. You have to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair." He paused, considering what he had just said. "Yes," he repeated. "In the end it's all a question of balance."
You see, this was going to a great five starred book. But then stuff happened. Some unnecessary stuff.
The book talks about the lives of various individuals belonging to different socio-economic backgrounds and how their lives intertwine during the Emergency in India in 1975.
It takes a caricature-ish look at the political and societal scenrio during this time and it seems to have mainly aroused from the author's experience during the time.
The book is great, you should read it, but the reactions that follow would be at your own risk as everyone has a way of viewing the world.
"I used to. But now I prefer to think that God is a giant quiltmaker. With an infinite variety of designs.. And the quilt has grown so big and confusing that the pattern has been impossible to see, the squares and diamonds and triangles don't fit well together anymore, it's all become meaningless. So He has abandoned it."
In conclusion: This is a great read, but not everyone's cup of tea.
If you are seeking an uplifting and happy book, there's no need to check this one out. Although it certainly is a major thing, I kept having hope everything would get better and I don't ever think it really does. The story is about particular characters, yet Mistry does an interesting job of weaving in perspectives on the caste system, corruption in politics, poverty, industrialization and urbanization. As in life, all characters have their flaws and by the end of it, I'm not sure I was truly attached to anyone, but I understood their personal struggles. There's a bit of a mixed message about how much control one has over their destiny and I don't think the takeaway is too clear.
I have no words to describe this novel. I was ripped apart then sewn back together over and over again.
All the characters were soooo developed and I really felt what they were going though. I loved when Dina, Ishvar, Om, & Maneck would spend their days together and talk. That was some of the best times to read about. I really didn't want it to end.
I will say the last couple of chapters seemed the most unrealistic, in that the characters would randomly bump into each other in one of the most populated cities in the world. I understood the reasoning behind it so that the reader would know where they ended up, but I think it could have been better laid out. That was really the only concern i had. This is definitely a new favourite of mine.
All the characters were soooo developed and I really felt what they were going though. I loved when Dina, Ishvar, Om, & Maneck would spend their days together and talk. That was some of the best times to read about. I really didn't want it to end.
I will say the last couple of chapters seemed the most unrealistic, in that the characters would randomly bump into each other in one of the most populated cities in the world. I understood the reasoning behind it so that the reader would know where they ended up, but I think it could have been better laid out. That was really the only concern i had. This is definitely a new favourite of mine.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
June 29, 2018
...you have to use your failures as stepping stones to success. You have to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair. In the end it’s all a question of balance.”
"A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry is not a happy read, but it is a book that rekindled my love for reading and reminded me why I love reading long books. I have an affinity for books set in India and Mistry did not disappoint with his writing in this book.
The book is set in India in 1975, we are not told exactly where in India but we meet Dina, Ishvar, Maneck and Omprakash- these four characters will get under your skin and stay there. Dina is a widow who is trying to make her own way in life without depending on her brother who holds everything over her. She landed a contract with a company to sew clothes, to do this, she needs the help of two Tailors. Ishvar and Omprakash are born in a Caste system that they are trying to escape, so they head to the city to take up the tailoring positions. Maneck is a student at a University who ends up boarding with Dina. These four characters are all fighting their demons while trying to navigate the political and cultural changes in Indian.
This isn't a happy read, in fact, this book reads like a series of unfortunate events. At one point I thought, ARE THESE PEOPLE EVER GONNA CATCH A BREAK!!!!! I guess that's exactly how you react when you read a well written book with characters that affects you so much you feel like going to war for them. A heart-breaking but beautiful read. This is a spectacular novel that deserves ALL the praises.
This book is time after time so depressing. It is one of the most depressing book I've read in a long while. The plot is very intense and entertaining, Misty didn't leave any question unanswered and for such a long plot that is admirable. A really good read.
...you have to use your failures as stepping stones to success. You have to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair. In the end it’s all a question of balance.”
"A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry is not a happy read, but it is a book that rekindled my love for reading and reminded me why I love reading long books. I have an affinity for books set in India and Mistry did not disappoint with his writing in this book.
The book is set in India in 1975, we are not told exactly where in India but we meet Dina, Ishvar, Maneck and Omprakash- these four characters will get under your skin and stay there. Dina is a widow who is trying to make her own way in life without depending on her brother who holds everything over her. She landed a contract with a company to sew clothes, to do this, she needs the help of two Tailors. Ishvar and Omprakash are born in a Caste system that they are trying to escape, so they head to the city to take up the tailoring positions. Maneck is a student at a University who ends up boarding with Dina. These four characters are all fighting their demons while trying to navigate the political and cultural changes in Indian.
This isn't a happy read, in fact, this book reads like a series of unfortunate events. At one point I thought, ARE THESE PEOPLE EVER GONNA CATCH A BREAK!!!!! I guess that's exactly how you react when you read a well written book with characters that affects you so much you feel like going to war for them. A heart-breaking but beautiful read. This is a spectacular novel that deserves ALL the praises.
This book is time after time so depressing. It is one of the most depressing book I've read in a long while. The plot is very intense and entertaining, Misty didn't leave any question unanswered and for such a long plot that is admirable. A really good read.
I thought the book brought a great inside into the struggles of people during 70s in India. I enjoyed learning about the caste system, inequalities etc. Unfortunately I also thought the book was written in too much detail for me to enjoy it a lot.
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you're from India and parts of the book surprise you, you really should read more about contemporary Indian history, especially 70-80s. Even with possessing a knowledge of India through the 70s, this book is a moving read. It is what most people would agree is a "sad read".
I enjoyed the writing a lot; the emotions came through strongly and even though there is a sense of detachment, of helplessness throughout the story, I found myself re-reading sentences.
I enjoyed the writing a lot; the emotions came through strongly and even though there is a sense of detachment, of helplessness throughout the story, I found myself re-reading sentences.