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