A Fine Balance
A Novel
Book - 1996
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Searching for more content…New York : Vintage International, c1995.
0679446087
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The book exposes the changes in Indian society from independence in 1947 to the Emergency called by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Mistry is generally critical of P. M. Gandhi in the book. Interestingly, however, Gandhi is never referred to by name by any of the characters, and is instead called simply "the prime minister". The characters, from diverse backgrounds, are all brought together by economic forces changing India.
Ishvar and Omprakash's family is part of the Chamaar caste, who traditionally cured leather and were considered untouchable. In an attempt to break away from the restrictive caste system, Ishvar's father apprentices his sons Ishvar and Narayan to a Muslim tailor, Ashraf Chacha, in a nearby village, and so they became tailors. As a result of their skills, which are also passed on to Narayan's son Omprakash (Om), Ishvar and Om move to Mumbai to get work, by then unavailable in the town near their village because a pre-made clothing shop has opened.
Maneck, from a small mountain village in northern India, moves to the city to acquire a college certificate "as a back-up" in case his father's soft drink business is no longer able to compete after the building of a highway near their village.
Dina, from a traditionally wealthy family, maintains tenuous independence from her brother by living in the flat of her deceased husband, who was a chemist.
Dina distances herself from the political ferment of the period: "Government problems and games played by people in power," she tells Ishvar. "It doesn't affect ordinary people like us" (Mistry, 86). But in the end it does affect all of them, drastically.
At the beginning of the book, the two tailors, Ishvar and Omprakash, are on their way to the flat of Dina Dalal via a train. While on the train, they meet a college student named Maneck Kohlah, who coincidentally is also on his way to the flat of Dina Dalal to be a boarder. They become friends and go to Dina's flat together. Dina hires Ishvar and Om for piecework, and agrees to let Maneck stay with her. Dina then reflects on her past and how she was brought to her current situation.
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Add a CommentAbsolutely EXCELLENT. I couldn't put it down...a really good story and I also learned so much. Don't miss!!!
"In the end, it's all a question of balance."
Magnificent, sweeping novel set in tumultuous 1970s India. At 600 pages, it's both panoramic and intimate. While the background is political and social unrest (corruption, police raids, religious strife, clearing slums, forced labor), the story focuses on four character: a proud widow who runs a sewing shop, the two tailors who work for her and strive for a better life, and her young college student relative. There is a lot of pain and a lot of suffering in this novel, but it doesn't grow bleak or oppressive. Mistry, who also wrote "Such a Long Journey," has an enormous compassion and empathy for his characters, which is what great literature does. One of the great novels of the past few decades.
"After all, our lives are but a sequence of accidents-a clanking chain of chance events. A string of choices, casual or deliberate, which add up that one big calamity we call life."
heart-wrenching collection of human misery
Prior to going to India for the first time, I read several books set in contemporary India. Now, after returning from that absolutely incredible country, "A Fine Balance" has given me a new perspective on what I saw and experienced. This book is rich in detail, a wonderful story in some of the best writing I have ever read - some of it quite funny. Quite heart rendering.
Very sad story
Definitely a five star novel! It covers the period in India from independence in 1946 to 1984 with well-developed characters. Makes the novels about neurotic couples and so-called seekers of enlightenment rather pitiful when you complete this novel. Several years ago I had a one week business trip in New Delhi and this novel brought back the sights and sounds of India most vividly.
An exceptional book. If you think you are poor think again.
I have read many books set in India and books by Indian writers since my trip to that strange country. There are many fabulous books about life in India and this one seemed pretty good. However, after reading 24%, I decided it just wasn't covering any new ground and went on to another book.
The most riveting, visceral journey of fiction I have ever read......
A Fine Balance is much, much more than fine. Truly an incredible story that will rank
with the best reads you will ever encounter. It breezes to the 5 star category.