A Fine Balance

Author: Rohinton Mistry
Genre: Brilliant
My current streak of luck with the books is exceptional. I saw this book on a shelf in the library and I stood for around 10 minutes staring stupidly at the book. I asked it, why? I have had it up to the neck of someone twice my height with India centric books (ICB henceforth)…why am I looking at you? “Ok I am on Prebha Moghen’s list....chance lere baap”, it said, (also the picture of the smart looking author did not harm its cause).

It is like all the other ICBs, but its not. The issues it addresses, the extensive background and stage/story setting of each character is vaguely familiar. But it’s a really good story, with four characters that I will remember for life.

The story is about the four characters with the Emergency and extreme economic insecurity as the backdrop. No- it is not. It is about these four people who come together and make the most of the given situation. The story, the chemistry among these characters, the wit, the basic goodness and kindness in them in spite of the dreadfully mean situation each of them is faced with make the whole experience very intimate and personal.

Amma asked if I liked the book and whether she should read it. I said its one of the best things I have read, but don’t read it; it will make you very happy and extremely sad. She read it, called my sister and told her she loves it and that she should read it. I guess with age comes courage.

Also read: ‘Truly Madly Manhattan’- Nora Roberts. Always follow something as intense ‘A Fine Balance’ with a good time pass romance-mixing tastes as Amz would say.