With a compassionate realism and narrative sweep that recall the work of Charles Dickens, this magnificent novel captures all the cruelty and corruption, dignity and heroism, of India. The time is 1975. The place is an unnamed city by the sea. The government has just declared a State of Emergency, in whose upheavals four strangers–a spirited widow, a young student uprooted from his idyllic hill … hill station, and two tailors who have fled the caste violence of their native village–will be thrust together, forced to share one cramped apartment and an uncertain future.
As the characters move from distrust to friendship and from friendship to love, A Fine Balance creates an enduring panorama of the human spirit in an inhuman state.
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This book was a devastating story about life in India, the caste system, and the cruelty and glory of humanity. One of my favorite books. You become so connected to these characters they do not leave you once the story is finished.
One of the finest books that I have ever read having been a public librarian for 35 years. This book is glorious, tragic, heart warming and heart crushing, full of horrible scenes of misery and small scenes of tender and love. There is a smooth cadence in the author’s writing that kept me moving quickly through the pages. The realism is relentless; hope and despair breathe on every page. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a better understanding of human nature and the ways that people survive.
This is a literary classic that deserves to be ranked with the great works. Read it.
I reread this book for my book club, and I have to say, it remains my favorite book. Normally a novel this heartbreaking would not top my list, but it’s so masterfully written, it earns that rank. Its incredible characters and storytelling completely transport the reader. And despite the hardship, it still manages to express hope.
I’ll never physically be in 1975 India, but through this author’s brilliant description I feel as though I experienced it.
A wonderful book that is both fascinating and educational (but you don’t realize you are learning).
The story is fictional, but, inspired by true events in India.
One of the best books I have read, I ts long but the story is amazing
Interesting look into Indian culture. Great characters.
Mistry hooks you with the first line and never lets go as the story moves towards its surprising yet inevitable end. Rich world-building with multifaceted characters, this story is an immersive experience. You will be thinking about the story and characters long after you’ve closed the book!
“The morning express bloated with passengers slowed to a crawl, then lurched forward suddenly, as though to resume full speed.”
If you haven’t read it, put this at the top of the TBR pile and read it now!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Quite wonderful. It is a classic. Mistry is a great writer and even greater thinker.
Beautifully written but almost unberarably depressing. My book club still hasn’t forgiven me for this one.
During the Indira Gandhi reign, the characters in this terrific novel lose their own families and bond to form a family. A moving read!!
The best novel I have ever read. Wonderful characters. It’s a tough read, but worth it!
Perhaps the best book I have ever read. I will be starting my fourth read shortly.
A wonderfully written book about life in India. It kept my interest throughout
and the words transported me to the culture and streets and lives
of the people living there.
I loved this book! It was sad, it was tragic. It showed me life in other countries and how hard it was for the characters in the story. Great book
if i could give any book more than 5 stars, this would be it- It has changed me and opened my eyes into a world that i knew little about. It has to be the finest written book that i have read.
Each character springs to life through their journey to find their purpose. Despite the caste system, walls were broken down and greater empathy and understanding prevailed.
It is a must read!
This book is phenomenal. I read it nearly 20 years ago, and it still haunts me. Lots of Indian culture and history as well as a determination to succeed. Every time these guys get ahead, something else really horrible happens. But they persevere. It is a fabulous story.
This is by far my favorite read ever! The tragic story of survival in an “unbalanced“ culture unfortunately continues throughout the world today.
One of my favorite books – tells the story of several amazing characters and how their lives intersect to bring them together through hardships and lives. Truly a beautiful story.