Kristine Walker answers “Why the title, A Fine Balance? For me...”

Earl asked this question about A Fine Balance:

Why the title, A Fine Balance? For me there was little balance between good and bad, between optimism and depression.

Kristine Walker The title refers to the symbolism of one of the characters when Om and Ishvar are moved to the work camp and witness someone who plays a game with chi…moreThe title refers to the symbolism of one of the characters when Om and Ishvar are moved to the work camp and witness someone who plays a game with children who are used in a show. The show is about how he balances the children on a pole, high up in the air, in order to entertain the beggars and others who have been forced into labour on the outskirts of Delhi (although the name is never mentioned in the book) As someone else pointedly named, it's a balance between hope and despair. Unfortunately, in Rohinton Mistry's book, despair prevails. But you don't know that until the very end of the novel.(less)

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Nathan Peace I think you have it right. Except I assumed the story was set in Mumbai. Its referred to as a "City by the Sea" and is a day and a half journey from t ...more
Aug 28, 2017 09:50AM · flag

Haluk Yes I agree with Nathan, because Delhi is not by the sea and it being very crowded city, it should be Mumbai
Sep 21, 2017 12:30AM · flag

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