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kanarese 's review for:
Family Matters
by Rohinton Mistry
emotional
sad
medium-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
Book Review – Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry
Family Matters marks my third journey into Rohinton Mistry’s world, and once again, he proves himself unmatched in emotional storytelling. His writing brims with depth, pulling the reader right into the lives of his characters until you feel you are living alongside them.
The novel revolves around a financially and emotionally strained Parsi family. Nariman Vakeel, in his seventies, suffers a minor accident that gradually leads to a decline in his health. Unable to care for him alone, he is moved into the home of his daughter Roxana. This shift forces her husband, Yezad, into making difficult choices to meet the family’s daily needs.
True to Mistry’s style, the book blends personal struggles with broader social commentary—contrasting the values of the new generation of Parsis with the older, more traditional “radicals,” and subtly weaving in political undertones, including jabs at the Shiv Sena and reflections on secularism.
Despite its 463 pages, the story flows effortlessly; I found myself completely absorbed and only realized its impact after turning the final page.
Having now read all three of Mistry’s novels, I would rank them as follows:
1. A Fine Balance – his masterpiece.
2. Family Matters – a close second.
3. Such a Long Journey.
Next on my list will be exploring his short stories, perhaps later this year. I highly recommend Family Matters for its moving portrayal of family bonds, resilience, and a rich glimpse into Parsi culture.
Family Matters marks my third journey into Rohinton Mistry’s world, and once again, he proves himself unmatched in emotional storytelling. His writing brims with depth, pulling the reader right into the lives of his characters until you feel you are living alongside them.
The novel revolves around a financially and emotionally strained Parsi family. Nariman Vakeel, in his seventies, suffers a minor accident that gradually leads to a decline in his health. Unable to care for him alone, he is moved into the home of his daughter Roxana. This shift forces her husband, Yezad, into making difficult choices to meet the family’s daily needs.
True to Mistry’s style, the book blends personal struggles with broader social commentary—contrasting the values of the new generation of Parsis with the older, more traditional “radicals,” and subtly weaving in political undertones, including jabs at the Shiv Sena and reflections on secularism.
Despite its 463 pages, the story flows effortlessly; I found myself completely absorbed and only realized its impact after turning the final page.
Having now read all three of Mistry’s novels, I would rank them as follows:
1. A Fine Balance – his masterpiece.
2. Family Matters – a close second.
3. Such a Long Journey.
Next on my list will be exploring his short stories, perhaps later this year. I highly recommend Family Matters for its moving portrayal of family bonds, resilience, and a rich glimpse into Parsi culture.