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A Fine Balance

Rohinton Mistry

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Nov 08, 2017 John Hanson rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: library-book-club, library

Remember those "I'm loved" sayings from the 1970's? I've got no arms and no legs and they carry me around in a hockey bag, but that's okay, I'm loved. That's this novel. Jesus, it's the Book of Job extended over 700 pages.

It's more an additive style of writing, and typical with such books (Satanic verses, 100 Tears of Solitude, On The Road, David Sedaris, etc.) empathy for the characters lacks. Empathy by the characters lacks. Ishtar and Om's entire family are murdered and thrown into the river ...more

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Nov 09, 2017 Stephen Ring rated it really liked it

My four star like of the novel is based on the writing, the characterization and the interweaving of the plot lines where, by the end of the novel everyone's story has an intersection with everyone else. The subject is of a time and place of extreme brutality towards women and members of different castes, government corruption and the oppressiveness against the weak. Sadness permeates the entire novel, but with the sadness are stories of bravery and independence, but the brutal forces seem to wi ...more

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Feb 01, 2019 Amy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: around-the-world-challenge

Yes it's long, but at no point did I think something should be edited. Every rich detail is essential to painting this wonderful, but heartbreaking portrait of 1970's India.

"Use your failures as stepping stones to success. Maintain a fine balance between hope and despair." ...more

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