Rohinton Mistry - A Fine Balance

Pros: Wonderfully written compelling story.

Cons: Darkest side of humanity on display.

The Bottom Line: The brightest and darkest sides of humanity are displayed wherever there is poverty. A Fine Balance shows both in abundance. Substance and heart, this is an epic novel.

Review: ~=~ Cautionary Tale ~=~

Before picking up Oprah's current book selection, A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, consider whether you have the time. If you let Mistry's characters take up residence in your head or heart, you...

Pros: Very thought provoking, and excellent characterization

Cons: None

The Bottom Line: A must read for everyone.

Review: Rohinton Mistry, an Indian born author who now lives in Toronto, Canada has been compared to Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy for the realism of his novels. In a glowing introduction to this author, The New York Times said:

"Those...

Pros: A page-turner that you won't be able to put down.

Cons: none.

The Bottom Line: This is the kind of book that makes you thankful that gifted authors exist in this world.

Review: It's easy to be put off by the 600-plus pages of Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance, but this is that rare kind of book that comes along, keeps you awake long into the night and after reaching the final page, leaves you still thinking about the...

Pros: Beautifully written, historically interesting, fascinating plot, wonderful characters

Cons: It doesn't go on forever!

The Bottom Line: Absolutely brilliant, rich and satisfying. The story, characters and adventures are clearly and beautifully drawn. The reader is captivated by this messy, horrifying, cruel and beautiful world that is India.

Review: I love being swept away into another country, world and/or reality. Reading for me is not only for entertainment but for education and blissful escape. Rohinton Mistry gives me satisfaction on all these levels with "A Fine Balance."

The...

Pros: The Great Indian Novel, Rich, Vivid and Moving

Cons: None.

The Bottom Line: Its almost impossible to put down 'A Fine Balance'. Rohinton Mistry brings the characters alive, we live and grow with them, and wonder what happens to them after the book.

Review: "Sometimes you have to use your failures as stepping-stones to success. You have to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair. In the end, it's all a question of balance."

Uttered very nonchalantly by Vasantrao Valmik, a lawyer...

Pros: A great fictitous novel about a real event.

Cons: none

The Bottom Line: A great novel with historical undertones.

Review: A Fine Balance is a great novel. It is written by Bohinton Minstry. Who I believe to be a great writer. It is a tale about 2 men and the twists and turns; both good and bad, that they encounter due to the state of emergency in India. This book was...

Pros: good read: draws you in fast, keeps your interest; makes you think/care about broader world

Cons: parts are painful you're emotionally involved with the characters' struggles

The Bottom Line: Pulls you out of your own small world; puts "things" in perspective. You come away gentler for having read it; more patient and definitely more grateful for all you have

Review: I wish everybody in America would read this book, and then maybe we could all benefit by living in a country which displayed its considerable compassion and love of justice more rather than less (hope that doesn't sound too granola...). I read it 2.5...

Pros: Wonderfully written. Hard to put down

Cons: Too short! Couldn't get enough of this brilliant book!

The Bottom Line: It is a must read. Mistry is a brilliant story teller. I am currently reading the new book "Family Matters"

Review: This was one of the best books I have ever read. It was definitely a page turner and I literally could not put it down. I realize I am reading a really good book when it starts to interfere with everyday life. The story revolves around four main...

Pros: Beautifully Lyrical Prose

Cons: Hard to leave these characters behind

The Bottom Line: I would definitely recommend this book, because it elevates the genre of fiction.

Review: I first picked up this book because it was an Oprah Book Club selection. I thought that I'd be hip and read it along with everyone else. Of course, I didn't get around to it until months later. But when I actually picked up the book, I could not put ...

Pros: Story captures India well

Cons: Almost unbearably depressing, like the country itself

Review: A friend recommended this to me a while ago after I told her that I enjoyed this other book because of its kalaidescopic view of a society. This book seems more focussed on the story of individuals whose lives intersect, how these different individuals'...