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Comments (80)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 80 items
Jan 09, 2024Honestwoman3 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Mr Mistry has captured the ethos of the lives of poor people in India and this book is heartbreaking in many places. this novel touched me deeply as I am from the same ethnic background as the writer. Even after so much difficulty in…
May 09, 2023RKimmer rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I agree with other readers who said that this story stayed with them a long time. It sure did with me. It is a beautifully written, heartbreaking story. Well worth reading more than once.
Sep 14, 2022meandmy rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This book stayed with me for a while.
Jul 11, 2022denisecharbonneau rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Beautifully described settings, complex characters and an eloquent writing style make this one of the best books of the 1990s - and onward! I thought of these people for years after reading the book.
May 11, 2022jhundt rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I’m not going to lie. This book left me depressed in a way that I really contemplated the meaning of life and “ what is it all for”. It was bleak and never offered any hope, just resignation that bad things do happen to people without…
Mar 17, 2022Shabash rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This book is a masterpiece.
Jan 12, 2022kennethek rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The fact that it's on the SPL Best books of the century says it all. Deservedly so. Beware it's a long read with small print.
Nov 20, 2021HelenParnell rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
picked this book up for free at some campsite and wow what a great surprise. Wonderful book showing the horrors of that period. will definitly read it again.
Jul 23, 2021rclane rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
For a good time, call Rohinton ..... just kidding. This book is unremittingly melancholy, violent, creepy, infuriating ..... but in a good way.
Jul 02, 2021Sarahmahin rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
Well written, but very sad story. As if the author wants to convince the reader that there is no hope in this world and everything always ends badly.
Jun 10, 2021
i thought this book was depressing of course but it was a great story. even when it was disturbing it was well written. i would recommend but not to those who expect a happy story.
Nov 29, 2020
India 1975-76 during Emergency. Outstanding novel from a favorite author.
Jan 08, 2020wyenotgo rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Some readers have drawn comparisons between “A Fine Balance” and some of Dickens’ works. Others have invoked Shakespeare, notably King Lear — and lines from Macbeth certainly come to mind: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that…
Jun 26, 2019lobster50 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
There is a flow in the way this man tells a story. It’s fluid and it carries my along with it until I’m swept up and can’t stop thinking about the characters and their lives.
Apr 02, 2019JILLYJELLY rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely EXCELLENT. I couldn't put it down...a really good story and I also learned so much. Don't miss!!!
Oct 10, 2018lukasevansherman rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
"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,…
Jan 27, 2018
heart-wrenching collection of human misery
Jan 17, 2018
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…
Jan 01, 2018lotussmile rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Very sad story
Oct 01, 2017Spokoj rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
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…
Sep 12, 2017traceyrb rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
An exceptional book. If you think you are poor think again.
Aug 12, 2017
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…
Jun 15, 2017kafkakat rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The most riveting, visceral journey of fiction I have ever read......
May 14, 2017
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.
Mar 16, 2017mehrsar rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
excellent .great story.