Big Books of 2026
A Fine Balance

Questions About A Fine Balance

by Rohinton Mistry

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Answered Questions (10)

Why the title, A Fine Balance? For me there was little balance between good and bad, between optimism and depression.
Rosemary Once I'd read the line 'a fine balance between hope and despair' I realised what the book was about. It became very clear at the end when one characte…moreOnce I'd read the line 'a fine balance between hope and despair' I realised what the book was about. It became very clear at the end when one character 'tipped over the edge' of despair whereas two others, who could well have done, managed to go about life chuckling.(less)
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why are women addressed as Aunty?
Kamran Rahman I'm from an Indian/Pakistani family. Auntie/Uncle conveys respect, affection and relationship at the same time. In South Asian culture people are rare…moreI'm from an Indian/Pakistani family. Auntie/Uncle conveys respect, affection and relationship at the same time. In South Asian culture people are rarely referred to by their names in social situations, especially if they're older than you. It would be considered rude if you didn't add some sort of term of respect or affection to the way you address someone. So, Auntie/Uncle says that you respect the person as a member of an elder generation and that you love them almost as much as a member of your family.(less)
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J Baker
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Very long novels with multiple characters are often easier to follow as audiobooks -- for me, at least. That depends entirely on the quality of the narration, though. If you listened to the audiobook, do you recommend it or not?
Stephanie I just finished listening to it today and couldn't have been happier. The narrator was fantastic, each character had a different sounding voice. The n…moreI just finished listening to it today and couldn't have been happier. The narrator was fantastic, each character had a different sounding voice. The narrator was Vikas Adam. I highly recommend it. (less)
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Really interested in reading this. Is there any content that wouldn't be suitable for a teenager?
Stephanie I am sensitive and empathetic and found I was disturbed at quite a few points in the book. I had to put it down for a few days each time. I also found…moreI am sensitive and empathetic and found I was disturbed at quite a few points in the book. I had to put it down for a few days each time. I also found I had anxiety through out my read. However, the beauty and compassion in the book kept me coming back to it! (less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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