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A Fine Balanceby Rohinton Mistry |
Elaine M: I feel this book is one of the most well
written books I have ever read. It gets sadder as the pages turn, and yet, this is real life.
I first read it in 2003 (I keep records!) as a library book. I purchased it four years later, because
I knew it needed to be part of my personal library.
Mistry's other books: Such A Long Journey, and his collection of stories: Swimming Lessons, are also so well written.
Rating: *****
Mary Ann Kavouras: I read A Fine Balance several years ago. Judy
has given a very good review of the book. It is a long, laborious read, in my opinion, yet I was
fascinated and couldn't put it down for too long at a time. I subsequently read The Kite Runner, which
is similar. I was a bit disappointed in that book relative to the reviews I'd heard, simply because A Fine
Balance made such an impact on me. This is a book I'd highly recommend.
Rating: *****
Judy Stanton: A daunting read at 600+
pages, I found A Fine Balance well worth the time. The book is based
in India in the 1970s, and is a real eye-opener at government gone mad.
For the masses, the "fine balance" was between hope and despair. The book
is a testament to the human ability to find hope in the most desperate
of times. And desperation was everywhere. While it is historical fiction,
after reading about Indira Ghandi's rule -- the abject poverty,
forced sterilization, the caste system, and government
dictatorship -- was unfortunately pretty honestly depicted.
The author did an excellent job of developing the main characters,
going back into each of their lives, telling their stories,
and weaving them together. A deeply disturbing story,
but beautifully written.
Rating: *****
