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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
This is possibly the most miserable book I’ve ever read. And yet, I gave it a five star rating.
In a reading group I belong to many people said that this was an amazing and life-changing book which is why I decided to read it. They are not wrong.
You will come to know the main characters, as well as several minor characters. You will care about most of them. They will be living in misery and squalor that is unfathomable to those that live in the US. Yes, we have poverty add racism and homelessness here but we have hope.
If you can handle the sadness you must read this book. It was 24.5 hours on audio and I finished it in a week or so because I couldn’t stop (and had a lot of driving to do.)
These characters will stay with me forever.
In a reading group I belong to many people said that this was an amazing and life-changing book which is why I decided to read it. They are not wrong.
You will come to know the main characters, as well as several minor characters. You will care about most of them. They will be living in misery and squalor that is unfathomable to those that live in the US. Yes, we have poverty add racism and homelessness here but we have hope.
If you can handle the sadness you must read this book. It was 24.5 hours on audio and I finished it in a week or so because I couldn’t stop (and had a lot of driving to do.)
These characters will stay with me forever.
I picked this book up because I found it in a list of the best Indian books of all time. And having read it, I think it very much belongs there. Fate brings 4 people from different places and makes them into a happy family.
In this era of fading democracies, a Fine Balance reminds us of why that is indeed a bad thing. The book is very empathetic to each of its characters except for those in power whom it shows to be petty, power-hungry and rotten to the core.
In this era of fading democracies, a Fine Balance reminds us of why that is indeed a bad thing. The book is very empathetic to each of its characters except for those in power whom it shows to be petty, power-hungry and rotten to the core.
There are simply no words. This is an incredibly powerful book and to say any more would steal another’s experience should they decide to read it. I encourage you to read it. It will impact your life, I’m certain.
I read A Fine Balance back in summer 2005 and I carted it everywhere, despite it being a 650 page novel, it flows with ease and Mistry’s prose is utterly beguiling.
It’s mid seventies India and the government has declared a state of emergency, poverty is rife and people are being killed due to riots. In this political mess two tailors, a university student and a disillusioned widow all end up living together in a house. All characters come from different social classes and Mistry highlights the differences between each person through flashbacks and the present situation of all four people . That is until the political situation leads to a devastating climax.
Readers beware this is not a novel filled with happiness, each character has his or her own spell of bad luck but Mistry is never self-indulgent and there are quite a few laugh out loud (and even rude) moments in A Fine Balance. Despite this it is a truly addictive novel. What kept me going was the sheer power and simplicity of the writing. Mistry creates a scene so realistic that you’d imagine every scene in your head perfectly and his way with words is just makes one emote.
For such a thick book I am writing a short review but trust me a lot goes on in this dynamic novel and it’s rather you pick it up. Weirdly enough I have read this author’s other novels (and short story collection) and none of them really live up to this one (although Family Matters comes very close) so if you’re a beginner do read this one first.
It’s mid seventies India and the government has declared a state of emergency, poverty is rife and people are being killed due to riots. In this political mess two tailors, a university student and a disillusioned widow all end up living together in a house. All characters come from different social classes and Mistry highlights the differences between each person through flashbacks and the present situation of all four people . That is until the political situation leads to a devastating climax.
Readers beware this is not a novel filled with happiness, each character has his or her own spell of bad luck but Mistry is never self-indulgent and there are quite a few laugh out loud (and even rude) moments in A Fine Balance. Despite this it is a truly addictive novel. What kept me going was the sheer power and simplicity of the writing. Mistry creates a scene so realistic that you’d imagine every scene in your head perfectly and his way with words is just makes one emote.
For such a thick book I am writing a short review but trust me a lot goes on in this dynamic novel and it’s rather you pick it up. Weirdly enough I have read this author’s other novels (and short story collection) and none of them really live up to this one (although Family Matters comes very close) so if you’re a beginner do read this one first.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is an extraordinary tale. It has been a long time since a book actually moved me to tears - this author is a master storyteller.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
It gave me a new perspective on the lives of so many people we see so often.. a painful story. But you would know it's not fiction..
This book was a solid 4 star book, bordering on 5 stars until the end. Such a shame. I really wish I hadn't even read the last chapter.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fictional retelling of a very real period of Indian not-so-distant history. Life in all its injustices and struggles. A story of how people can tear each other down, but also build each other back up.
Complex, full characters with whose joy and pain you can't help but share.
Complex, full characters with whose joy and pain you can't help but share.