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A Fine Balance | 
 enlarge | Author: Rohinton Mistry
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Category: Book
List Price: £8.99
Buy New: £1.75
You Save: £7.24 (81%)
New (34) Used (11) from £1.75
Rating:  91 reviews
Sales Rank: 675
Media: Paperback
Pages: 624
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 1.8
ISBN: 057123058X
EAN: 9780571230587
ASIN: 057123058X
Publication Date: October 19, 2006
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: A Brand new copy. Mailed the same working day.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
In 1975, in an unidentified Indian city, Mrs Dina Dalal, a financially pressed Parsi widow in her early 40s sets up a sweatshop of sorts in her ramshackle apartment. Determined to remain financially independent and to avoid a second marriage, she takes in a boarder and two Hindu tailors to sew dresses for an export company. As the four share their stories, then meals, then living space, human kinship prevails and the four become a kind of family, despite the lines of caste, class and religion. When tragedy strikes, their cherished, newfound stability is threatened, and each character must face a difficult choice in trying to salvage their relationships.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 86 more reviews...
What the Dickens August 15, 2008
As another reviewer has already said, Rohinton Mistry has echoed Dickens in this book. It is a social commentary about how well-meaning political decisions have a huge impact on the ordinary people. I read this after being badgered to by my godmother, and I am really glad that she kept on at me until i did.
It is at times an uncomfortable read - it highlights caste violence, government-backed brutality and extreme poverty, without ever sensationalising any of it. It is also, believe it or not, humourous, gentle and touching at the same time as being absolutely tragic and harrowing. the characters are beautifully fleshed-out, and the sights, smells and tastes of India are there as you read. I was so engrossed in the characters that I desperately wanted a happy ending for them all.
Whilst reading, it was sometimes hard to believe that this book is set in relatively modern times - the 70s - so cruel and astonishing are some of the incidents it relates. When I finished, I looked around at my home and children and realised exactly how fortunate I am. Not life-changing perhaps, but profoundly moving and unforgettable.
Beautiful book August 12, 2008
This book is really beautiful - and one of my all time favourite novels.
Whilst it is sad, the characters also have a good sense of humour and find comfort in their unlikely friendship with each other.
I think it is also an interesting exploration of how well-meaning political decisions can have a significant impact on the individual.
A work of art August 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is an unbelievably fabulous book. I am not going to write a long review as I do not know how to find the words to do the book justice. I've passed it on to several friends and I can't wait for them to finish reading it so I can discuss it with them.
It is very rare to read a book when the characters come alive for you. I felt I knew these characters and I began dreaming about them and thinking about them during everyday life.
The themes and issues dealt with by Mistry have changed the way I view the world and have had a huge impact upon my outlook. I cried several times during my reading of the book and had to put it aside for some hours before I could continue reading.
The ending is shocking and will stay with me forever.
I highly recommend reading this book but please be prepared for the impact it will have upon you.
Rohinton Mistry, in my view, is one of the finest writers of our day.
 A very dark tale. I regret reading it. July 17, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I got this book based on the excellent reviews that I read from Amazon. When I finished it, I am only left with sadness for the characters to have such an unfortunate life in the hands of author. I can understand the true intentions of the author to portray once his own country as vicious as depicted. If you still wondering what happens to the child balancing at the top in the front cover, according to the author "their hands were cut off, blinded, backs twisted and turned into beggars". In curiosity if you felt like reading and managed to finish it, you will feel like Maneck at the end.......clueless and lost. For me, I would not read a book based on Amazon review again.
Devestating, inspiring, amazing May 20, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Devestating, inspiring, amazing - this is defintely on my list of top ten fav books. You get a real insight into India's history and politics but through the human condition. The characters are complex and believable, the story beautifully written and awe making. I cried and cried at the warmth and goodness people have in their hearts and at the hopelessness and tragedy surrounding us. I emerged from this story a different person (I mean, I do after each book I read, but this was particularly pronounced). Everyone should read this once in their lives.
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