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A review by bill_muganda
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
5.0
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.