Swimming Lessons and Other Stories from Firozsha Baag

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Swimming Lessons and Other Stories from Firozsha Baag

by Rohinton Mistry

3.82 · rating details · 729 ratings · 73 reviews

Firozsha Baag is an apartment building in Bombay. Its ceilings need plastering and some of the toilets leak appallingly, but its residents are far from desperate, though sometimes contentious and unforgiving. In these witty, poignant stories, Mistry charts the intersecting lives of Firozsha Baag, yielding a delightful collective portrait of a middle-class Indian community ...more

Paperback, 256 pages

Published February 11th 1997 by Vintage (first published January 1st 1987)

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Swimming Lessons and Other Stories from Firozsha Baag by Rohinton Mistry

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Community Reviews

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May 18, 2011

Praj rated it

· review of another edition

It is said that when the British left India, they gifted their mannerism to the Parsis. I do not know the authenticity of such whimsical statements, although I have never seen any community with such great degree of clear-cut decorum. Parsi is a Persian Zoroastrian ethnic community; a minority in the Indian sub-continent. In a religion conscious environment Parsis are the most –mild-mannered and according to my adolescent psyche aromatic individuals. As a child my pleasant memories of experienci...moreIt is said that when the British left India, they gifted their mannerism to the Parsis. I do not know the authenticity of such whimsical statements, although I have never seen any community with such great degree of clear-cut decorum. Parsi is a Persian Zoroastrian ethnic community; a minority in the Indian sub-continent. In a religion conscious environment Parsis are the most –mild-mannered and according to my adolescent psyche aromatic individuals. As a child my pleasant memories of experiencing Parsi culture were those pleasant Sundays spent with an elderly neighbor. Dhun Aunty, as we would address her, would serve our hungry mouths with the most delectable savory dishes of meat and eggs. The spicy curries and rice with caramelized onions were devoured amid the lingering aroma of sandalwood and eau de cologne. Bowls of warm bread pudding with afternoon tea while laughing your guts outs to the antics of Laurel and Hardy would see an end to a wonderful soiree. It is where I learned to differentiate between Mozart’s Symphony. 40 and ‘The Blue Danube’ (although I’m still a novice to ‘C’ major or ‘G Minor identification) and browsed Wren & Martin before it became mandatory in school. Things have drastically changed now with increase in western urbanization and vast immigration to foreign lands, yet the authenticity of the culture can be experienced in certain residential colonies strictly built for the respected community.

Firoza Baag is one such residential colony adorned by a three apartment buildings and filled with the quirkiest and amusing occupants one can come across. The 11 short stories brim with incidents that flatter the humdrum lives of its occupants or events taking place at a lazy hour that either might be life-changing or may just fade away into a speck of wistfulness. The stories trickle from hilarity to seriousness of bigotry and communalism that become a major part of a sub-culture. Subtle racism, cultural labeling and the insecurities prevailing over other influential communities can be seen throughout the book. This is quite a norm here in India where preference for “fair” skin tones and understated prejudices seep into daily life. The multifarious patterns of Bombay and its people through the lives of one community are comparable to listening to ‘Moonlight Sonata’ at a crowded train station. The concluding story “Swimming Lessons” sums up the entirety of this book as it juxtaposes facts and fictions and illuminates the brilliance of a writer called Rohinton Mistry.

Words fail me when it comes to Mistry’s scintillating mosaic of inconsequential lives that seem to get lost in the crowd. He captures the nitty-gritty of one of the strictest religious community in Bombay through an array of lucid emotions and gentle compassion. Through his books I breathe the sweet air of my nostalgia and observe the frowning faces of strangers wondering the tale behind the wrinkle of their middling life. Rohinton Mistry, which is why I love your words so very much.

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Apr 19, 2011

Dan rated it

I found this book on the sidewalk. It has a cool cover. I'm pretty sure that the "Swimming Lessons" font is "Boton." I was excited to find it, as Amazon had recommended it to me once and I thought it sounded interesting. I asked my brother if "it would fly" if someone was writing a review of this book and they wrote "Other Stories from 'Firozsha Baag' explodes with a 'Ferocious Bang.'" He said it wouldn't fly, as no credible editor would print a phrase lik...moreI found this book on the sidewalk. It has a cool cover. I'm pretty sure that the "Swimming Lessons" font is "Boton." I was excited to find it, as Amazon had recommended it to me once and I thought it sounded interesting. I asked my brother if "it would fly" if someone was writing a review of this book and they wrote "Other Stories from 'Firozsha Baag' explodes with a 'Ferocious Bang.'" He said it wouldn't fly, as no credible editor would print a phrase like that. I asked him if he thought it might make it onto a low-level website. He said maybe. I wish there was a method of ripping physical books to your kindle like there is with CDs. It might be possible, but it would require an automatic book scanner like they have in some libraries. Yes, that technology really exists. A machine turns the pages and scans each one. It's not even that new of a thing. I know because I once worked in a library and they had one. They gave me the instruction manual and asked me to hunt down the device drivers for it online. The instruction manual was for Windows 3.1. That's pre-Windows 1995! That's pre-"Start Menu." I had a computer with Windows 3.1 on it once. I mostly used it for Paint. I liked the "Scrolling Marquee" screensaver. I made it say, "DAN'S ROOM. KEEP OUT!!!!!" I put Koosh Balls and action figures on top of my monitor for decoration. I remember when I got my first LCD monitor. A 17" Samsung flat screen. It seemed so hi-tech. I recently saw the same monitor lying on the street. It was smashed and detached from its stand. There were raindrops on the screen. I still have mine. The colors are fading. Sometimes I expect the things I buy to last forever. I have a pair of Levi's that I bought off of eBay in 2005. They're from the 1980's. When I got them, they already looked like some guy had been wearing them for years. They're not even ripped or anything, just faded. Talk about great pants. I have another pair of Levi's that I bought this winter and they're in worse condition than the old pair that must be at least 22 years old. They don't make stuff like they used to. I bet Rohinton Mistry wears Levi's. I don't know what sex Rohinton Mistry is. I don't know if I'll ever read this book. I wonder where I would be if I was reading this. There are only so many places I that read books. On my bed. In a cafe down the street. On the subway. I once went to a girl's house carrying a book and then joked that I had been reading it on the walk over. She said she did that all the time. I don't think she was joking. The book I carried was James Joyce's Dubliners. I had to read it for class. Instead of buying it, I checked it out of the library. I did that with all of my textbooks. Except I ended up screwing myself because they were all overdue at the end of the semester. I owed $80.00 in fines. I asked them if they could reduce the fees. They said no. Now I just renew my library books online. My phone gets a text message three days before they're overdue. I log into my account and click "RENEW ALL." It's great. I have to wake up early tomorrow. Sometimes I wish I could stop time while I sleep, so I could sleep as long as I want. It seems really unfair that I have to restrict the amount of sleep that I can have. Why can't I just sleep until I can't sleep any longer and my body wakes up naturally. I kind of wish that night and day didn't exist. Then there would be no way of marking time; no one would be synchronized. That would be great. No order, just people wandering around with no objective. I hate synchronicity. I'm not talking about the album by the Police. I think that one's alright. But it's not my favorite. My favorite is Zenyatta Mondatta. Even that one has some bad songs though. Sting should be on Goodreads. Are you reading this, Sting? No, I'm not going to start riffing on Sting. Sting's alright. Why does everyone hate on Sting? If you separate the name "Sting" from the person, you realize "Sting" is a pretty crazy name to call yourself. How'd he come up with it? I guess there are a lot of odd nicknames. Today when I was walking through the subway, I thought if I had a child I might name them "Abstract." No, that wasn't a serious thought. I was just trying to get my kid's goat. I don't know why I was thinking about getting my child's goat before they were even born. I guess it just seems like a great reason to have a kid, getting their goat, that is. Who else's goat can you get if not a kid's? I think I'm going to start parting my hair on the side.(less)

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Aug 07, 2011

D. Biswas rated it

Short story writing is not what Rohinton Mistry is most known for, but Tales from Firozsha Bag was his first book, and it is a book of short stories. It is also published as "Swimming Lessons and other Stories from FIrozsha Bag."

I picked it up last week, and was amazed at his sense of voice. He writes as an old woman who works as a maid for a Parsi family with as much conviction as that of a schoolboy who spends his Sunday mornings plucking white hair from his father's head...more

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Aug 19, 2011

Paul rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: short-stories

This is a collection of short stories based around an apartment complex in Bombay occupied mostly by members of the Parsi community. The stories stand alone but are closely intertwined and set over a period of years, so children in the earlier stories are seen as adults later. Mistry picks out the idiosyncrasies and indelicacies of daily life; foibles and habits are laid bare. Neighbours fall out and get along. Birth and death take their place, faith, superstition and scepticism also. Ordinary l...more

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Nov 25, 2011

Rebecca rated it

I loved Mistry's most well-known novels, Family Matters and A Fine Balance, so I thought I'd set myself the task of reading all of his books. Swimming Lessons, a collection of short stories about the Parsi residents of an apartment complex in modern Bombay, is Mistry's first book.

I'm not sure if my high expectations worked against me, but I was disappointed by this book. I'm sure it was a necessary step for Mistry in becoming a good author, but it doesn't have much merit of its own ...more

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Aug 10, 2011

Luke Bagnall added it · review of another edition

Yet another great work of literature rooted in culture-rich India, and a great introduction for me to Mistry's work - his first published, I think. One of the things I love about this collection is that I learned so many words from reading it; Mistry has a powerful command of the English language. My favourite stories were probably 'Condolence Visit' and 'Auspicious Occasion', because I'm drawn to the way they illustrate the negative effects repressive social institutions such as religion can ha...more

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Oct 10, 2007

Calley marked it as to-read

I've read three of Rohinton Mistry's books and they are all spectacular - if I had to recommend one, it would be A Fine Balance, as such a sweeping tapestry of India. I want to live there...

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Jan 01, 2011

Debbie (Readerbuzz) Nance rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: relationships

Rohinton Mistry is the author of two books I've raved about, Family Matters and A Fine Balance. Consequently, I was eager to read this bookring book, his first published work, a collection of short stories.

My assessment: Exactly what you might expect from a great author's first published work, especially from a great author's first published collection of short stories: hints of greatness. Not every story was magnificent, mind you, but there were enough hints of greatn...more

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Oct 24, 2009

Sandhya rated it

· review of another edition

This was my first introduction to an author who made it to the elite club of NRI writers in the 80s--- all of whom made a definite impression in the world of literature and gave Indian Writing In English the prestige it enjoys today.
Rohinton Mistry is primarily known for two of his works, Such a Long Journey and Family Matters. Yet, I'm glad I was introduced to his writing with Tales From Firozsha Baag - a book of short stories where Mistry recounts life in a Parsi colony in Bombay in the ...moreThis was my first introduction to an author who made it to the elite club of NRI writers in the 80s--- all of whom made a definite impression in the world of literature and gave Indian Writing In English the prestige it enjoys today.
Rohinton Mistry is primarily known for two of his works, Such a Long Journey and Family Matters. Yet, I'm glad I was introduced to his writing with Tales From Firozsha Baag - a book of short stories where Mistry recounts life in a Parsi colony in Bombay in the 80s. Reading it makes you believe many of these experiences are the author's own childhood memories, as many of the stories relate to young boys and their growing up days. The author describes inhabitants of Firozsha Baag in splendid details, letting us into their various quirks and living patterns.

There are eleven stories in the book, each one highlights one character or a family in the colony, but essentially all the stories are intertwined. So most of them making a passing appearance in every story. This is precisely what lends a lot of charm and uniqueness to the book. You get a complete sense of what these Parsi families are all about and there is instantly a feeling of connect established with the characters and their situation. There is such a lived-in feeling about the setting that you almost get the wafting smell the fish fry that is cooked in these homes.

The author does not spend too much time with any character or any one particular story, so as a reader you are not really invested in any one person. In that sense, the book offers a slice of life, more like glimpses. In this Bombay apartment, there are several colourful characters – and many of the anecdotes and incidents that the author narrates would be familiar to anyone who has lived in a co-operative society.

So in the first chapter, 'Auspicious Occasion', you are acquainted with the cranky, supercilious Rustamji, who won’t relent to contribute for the painting of the building. The chairman Nariman Hansotia decides to teach him a lesson by getting the workers to paint the rest of the building, leaving out the exterior or Rustamji’s flat alone.

'One Sunday' introduces you to other occupants of the colony. One of it is Najamai, who is the only proud owner of a refrigerator in the colony. Another fine story is 'The Collectors', that describes the reclusive, shy Jahangir who would rather sit alone with his books on the steps than join the colony’s rowdy boys gang headed by the notorious Pesi. Mistry describes Pesi’s character with great flair and irony.

Another very interesting story is 'Squatter' that talks about a boy from the colony, who goes to Canada and dreams of becoming a foreign citizen in every sense. Except that there is one small problem. He finds it impossible to perform his ablutions in the western manner in a commode. He has to squat on it, treating it like an Indian toilet, which frustrates him no end. It’s funny yet a poignant story of a man who cannot leave behind the baggage of who he really is – literally! The author does not hesitate from sharing extremely intimate details or habits of his characters. And he has a definite penchant for scatological humour, as can be observed from many of the stories.

read the rest of the stories here: http://sandyi.blogspot.com/2009/10/rohin...(less)

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Oct 17, 2011

Laura rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: school

The stories in this collection were interesting and well-written and effective and even fun sometimes, but it was the last story, "Swimming Lessons," that really kicked the whole book up a notch. I was sitting on Sunday night with yet another so-so book for this class -- good but probably not something I would ever read again or think much about -- but then half-way through the final story I realized what was going on: Kersi learns to swim in Canada while his parents back home in India...more

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Jan 19, 2012

Abhishek Pathak rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: my-favorite-indian-authors, rohinton-mistry, booker-prize-nominated-novels, asian-authors, impac-award-winner

First let me introduce the author to you guys who recently made an entry to MY elite list of prominent authors.Mr. Rohinton Mistry was born in Bombay in 1952 and then moved to Canada in 1975.Tales from Firozsha Baag is his first novel which was published in 1987 & was nominated for Booker prize in 1996.

What should i tell you about him to eulogize him,because i really fall short of words when i think about his work,his characters, the plot he creates,the narration he gi...moreFirst let me introduce the author to you guys who recently made an entry to MY elite list of prominent authors.Mr. Rohinton Mistry was born in Bombay in 1952 and then moved to Canada in 1975.Tales from Firozsha Baag is his first novel which was published in 1987 & was nominated for Booker prize in 1996.

What should i tell you about him to eulogize him,because i really fall short of words when i think about his work,his characters, the plot he creates,the narration he gives and the way he explores human psyche shows his profound knowledge of human nature.

Rarely does an author,that i have encountered till writes with so much finesse.The way he uses his language to ornate his plot and stories with so much profundity of human human psyche,makes a reader to ruminate about the character he has created or is talking about.

The situation & circumstances he carves out for his characters are so aesthetically placed in his stories that they effortlessly depict the elegance & style of his writing.

The delectation his characters provides, a reader with mixed feelings of wit,humour,sensitivity, love,care,concern,ambition,jealously,etc.All these 11 stories are based on different human emotions and each one is peculiar in its own way.As a reader many a times i felt to be one of his characters,which Mistry creates so effortlessly.

The plot is where, lies his Magic touch.I have given it a name of Mistry Magic,cuz you can never say what he's upto,the twist and turns he provides his stories with,will make your heart sway many a times before you can actually make out what the story is all about and on which human emotion it is based.The way he describes different human psyche and other human perspectives will definitely leave a mark over one's mind and heart.This Magic is so alluring that it keeps a reader mesmerized till the very last pages of the novel.This Magic works like a penchant for a reader and throughout the novel one would try to discover and unveil this Magic,which Mistry webs through his powerful words & narrations.

R.Mistry is very particular about his writing and that can be felt by the way his characters react in a given situation.They can make you feel pensive,poignant,stoical,tetchy and titter all at the same time or simultaneously.

All these 11 intersecting stories are based in and around a Bombay Apartment called Firozsha Baag,ranging from different decades (1950's to 1990's).The Bombay of that era was loved and adored by all.

I have enjoyed everything in this novel and last but not the least the parsi dishes like dhansak,mouth watering curries blended with different spices,the aroma and the smell of those dishes can be easily felt throughout the novel,your senses would awaken and one can find hard to concentrate on novel while lingering to the aroma of curries and spices.

The best way to really savour & enjoy reading this novel is to read 'a' story per day,and not whole novel at once,that way one would get absorbed by each story and the emotion it depicts,the pathos it describes and the hilarious situations it sets in.

Happy Reading.... :):)

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May 12, 2011

Shabbeer Hassan rated it

· review of another edition

I am a fan of Short Stories. The whole idea of starting the book from any page is quite exciting and less intimidating. Have you seen the size of some of those books? Tales from Firosha Baag is one of the best collections of short stories I have come across.

The short stories have been penned down by the author of Indian origin based in Canada, Rohinton Mistry. Does the author’s name ring any bells? Rohinton Mistry was in the news for all the wrong reasons in the recent past. One of t...moreI am a fan of Short Stories. The whole idea of starting the book from any page is quite exciting and less intimidating. Have you seen the size of some of those books? Tales from Firosha Baag is one of the best collections of short stories I have come across.

The short stories have been penned down by the author of Indian origin based in Canada, Rohinton Mistry. Does the author’s name ring any bells? Rohinton Mistry was in the news for all the wrong reasons in the recent past. One of the fanatic political parties took it upon them to become the censor board and ban one of his books; though I highly doubt that the leaders or their followers had ever heard of him or read and understood any of his works.

Mistry is better known for his works like Such a Long Journey, Fine Balance and Family Matters, in the literary circle. Tales from Firozsha Baag is a lesser known collection of short stories and one of the best kept secrets.

Parsees have well infused into the cultural fabric of India. The collection is of stories inspired by Parsee families living in an apartment building, Firozsha Baag. Much is written on the lives of Parsees and many literary works are themed on their small community. Mistry, being a Parsee himself and brought up in Mumbai within the confines of the community, has translated his observations of many years into brilliant writing.

The stories give an accurate account of the Parsee lifestyle. Their innate language, body language, psyche has all been well encapsulated well in this collection. Parsee works, be it theater or literature always have an element of dark humour, an element the author has used to his advantage, and is well blended in his writing.

The Anglo servant, the old Parsee Couple, a Parsee widow, young Parsee migrated to Canada are some of the characters from these short stories that will live with you for a long time. The characters have been brought to life and have been woven through all the 11 stories.

Some of my personal favourite short stories from this collection are Condolence Visit, The Ghost of Firozshabaag, Swimming Lesson and Of White Hairs and Cricket, although I would say that each story is unique and penned down very thoughtfully. Mistry has carefully crafted stories revolving around Parsee youth, children, old couples as well as Indian Diaspora in his tales.

If you are browsing through Indian authors then do not miss out on Rohinton Mistry. He is one of the finest English fiction authors of the 20th Century. His books, not just Firozsha Baag, give insight into some of the finest writings on Parsees.(less)

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Feb 08, 2010

Erin rated it

· review of another edition

The concept is great. This isn’t just a collection of random, unrelated stories. Firozsha Baag is an apartment complex in Mumbai, and its inhabitants form a fairly tight-knit community - the kind of place where everyone knows each others’ names (as well as their business). Each story features a different member of the complex as its main character and, therefore, is told from a completely unique perspective. What’s entertaining is that all the characters pop up each others’ stories, either d...more

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Feb 12, 2011

Shireen rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, canadian

I loved this book. It was the first time I had read a book that was about my Parsi side, that caught so well the Parsi character, the feeling of life in Bombay and in that community. I made the mistake of lending it out. It was years before I got it back, years of wanting to read the short stories in it again and having to remind myself that it wasn't on my shelf. Never again will I lend a book, only give it away. If you haven't read any of Mistry's stuff, treat yourself to this book first.

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Aug 25, 2011

Ashwini Sharma rated it

· review of another edition

Rohinton's eyes take you through parsee life and its myriad components and characters from a pre-dominantly parsee colony. The book ends with a nice story, that leaves you wonderin if the book is a work of fiction or projected memoirs, which post-modernism has brought in literature where lines between fiction, memoirs, autobiography get blurred. I personally like that kind of books as it leaves a wide window open into the author's person.

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Feb 01, 2012

Glenna Barlow rated it

Shelves: own-but-haven-t-started

i bought this collection of short stories initially as a good book to read between trips when i'm actually in mumbai, on the train or here and there. i don't usually like short stories, which i find odd since i love short films. but these were fantastic! maybe it's the way mistry has developed the characters by interweaving them through each of the tales. or maybe it's just his absolute mastery of the craft - he's one of those writers who makes you want to write because with him it seems so effo...more

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Oct 17, 2010

Podurham rated it

A Fine Balance, the award-winning book written by the same author, was one of my all time favorite books. This collection of short stories is a little less engrossing, but a page turner never-the-less. It reveals the cultural nuiances (sp?) but also the universiality of human interaction and family relationships.

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Nov 22, 2011

Nancy rated it

· review of another edition

I am not a huge fan of books of short stories, but so love Rohinton Mistry that I purchased and so enjoyed the 11 stories in this book.

Many remain with me - while speaks to the author's story-telling skills for me.

Condolence Visit stands out in particular and is a story I have re-read from this book.

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Apr 10, 2010

Evie rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, can-lit, fiction

This is my first Rohinton Mistry book, and it was his as well. I loved the way each short story intertwined and included characters from the others, making each short story come together like a puzzle to reveal a whole picture of a community in India.

I really enjoyed Mistry's writing style and reading along knowing that this being his first book, it can only get better. I look forward to "A Fine Balance".

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Jul 16, 2010

Vida rated it

Shelves: abandoned

I read a few of these short stories, but have to return the book to the library. I can't say I'm super motivated to get the book again and read the rest of them. It's like a mix between Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge & Jumpa Lahiri's short stories, but not as good as either of them. I'm more motivated to just re-read those.

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Dec 09, 2009

Robertisenberg rated it

I couldn't even finish these banal short stories. One fart joke leads to another, and not even the exotic location -- urban India -- can spice things up. Too many characters, and each one more unbearable than the last.

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Apr 20, 2011

Neha rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads

This is my first Rohniton Mistry books, and I must say, it was very good. The book is a collection of short stories about occupants living in a Parsi apartment complex (baag) in Bombay. Being a Mumbaiite and having seen the Parsi community at close quarters in school, I could relate to the book. Mistry weaves a compelling story through each of the excerpts, pulling us into the lives of Kersi, Najmai, Nariman Hansotia, Jehangir and the others. Each of the story is based upon an individual occupan...more

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Oct 31, 2010

Matt rated it

Some occasional clever writing, but all in all a boring set of stories that all obsess over the same things: food, sex, and going to the bathroom. Literally. And this is not the first Indian author I've read who has used those three concepts as integral to their work...

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Jan 11, 2011

Marte Patel rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: pearson-book-club, kindle, short-stories

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories, which are set amongst the Parsi community in Bombay and were published in 1987. I liked learning about the Parsis and about Zoroastrianism, about daily life in their community, about Bombay and about Parsi immigrants' experience of being expats in the US and Canada. I also really liked the twist at the end! We went to an Indian restaurant tonight to discuss the book in my book club, and I had the Parsi dish dhansak, which was lovely. I highly re...more

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Oct 23, 2011

Sooraj Subramaniam added it · review of another edition

Crisp, seductive, sad. Beautifully written. For the first time I actually read a book with a dictionary close at hand! Was worth it!

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Dec 04, 2009

Tasnuva rated it

Shelves: canadian

Not one to like short stories in general, I found Mistry to be quite great at them. He is particularly good with voices.

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Sep 16, 2011

Danielle rated it

I only read swimming lessons, for a class I took in my undergrad. I really enjoyed it though. It was well written.

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Feb 17, 2010

CaterinaAnna rated it

Shelves: bookcrossing

While the links between the stories were satisfying and gave a sense of community and continuity, they were very variable in terms of content, tone and enjoyability. My favourite was The Collector which left one feeling sympathy for the man of the title and the boy who had deserted him. Other stories were far too scatalogical for my tastes and the final two, almost post-modernly self-referential, were also disappointing.

I think Mistry's ability to paint broad pictures by focussing ...more

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May 29, 2007

Anamika rated it

Parsi author Rohinton Mistry can be seen as twice-removed from his origins. The Parsis as a community have mingled with India and yet remained largely unchanged. When a Parsi moves to Canada and writes of displacement, this is someone worth listening to! He knows what he's saying, as a representative of a community and as an individual.

The stories, of the inhabitants of a decaying, tenacious, mildewed Parsi building in the heart of Bombay, absorbed and moved me. My all-time favourit...more

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Apr 18, 2011

Shannan rated it

A Fine Balance by the author is a 10 star. This was very good, just not as good as the first read.

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About Rohinton Mistry

Rohinton Mistry is considered to be one of the foremost authors of Indian heritage writing in English. Residing in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, Mistry belongs to the Parsi Zoroastrian religious minority.

Author photo courtesy of Faber and Faber website.

Wikipedia article at THIS LINK.

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19659.Swimming_Lessons_and_Other_Stories_from_Firozsha_Baag?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320433571m/19659.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19659.Swimming_Lessons_and_Other_Stories_from_Firozsha_Baag?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Swimming Lessons and Other Stories from Firozsha Baag by Rohinton Mistry[/url]

Swimming Lessons and Other Stories from Firozsha Baag

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