A Fine Balance

A Fine Balance cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 4020
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
  • Published: 1996-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of India's state of internal emergency in the mid-1970s, 'A Fine Balance' weaves together the lives of a widowed seamstress, a student, and a man with his nephew who have escaped caste violence. Their paths cross in unexpected ways, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for dignity in a time of political upheaval. The novel explores themes of survival, hope, and the delicate balance between fate and free will, showcasing Rohinton Mistry's masterful storytelling and deep understanding of human nature. /n/n The narrative delves into the harsh realities of life in India during this period, highlighting the impact of political decisions on ordinary people. Through the characters' journeys, the book offers a poignant commentary on societal structures, personal resilience, and the enduring power of human connection.

Reviews
Ushashi Basu's Blog · Ushashi Basu · 2022-07-20
engaging 4.00

The novel provides a vivid glimpse into a controversial period in India's history. The reviewer is a passionate fan of historical fiction.

Ushashi Basu highlights how the novel offers a very vivid glimpse into a highly controversial time in independent India's history. As a passionate fan of historical fiction, they appreciate the depth and detail Mistry brings to the narrative. The story is not just a historical account but a deeply personal and evocative exploration of the characters' lives amidst the turmoil of the era.


Quick quotes

    Mistry's novel provides a very vivid glimpse of a highly controversial time in independent India's history.

    As a passionate fan of historical fiction, I was captivated by the depth and detail.

    The story is not just a historical account but a deeply personal and evocative exploration.

Nose in a Book · 2022-02-27
wonderful 4.50

The book is wonderful and filled with details of life's ups and downs. The reviewer had a few minor quibbles but overall loved it.

The reviewer found the book to be wonderful, filled with the details of life's ups and downs. They had a few minor quibbles, such as with certain characters, but these did not detract from the overall enjoyment. The story is beautifully written and evocative, capturing the essence of human experiences in a compelling way. The reviewer highly recommends it despite the small issues.


Quick quotes

    This really is a wonderful book filled with the details of life's ups and downs.

    I just had a couple of small quibbles.

    I can't recommend it highly enough.

The Guardian · 2011-08-17
brilliant 4.50

Reading this novel in India deepened the appreciation of the country and its history. The characters and setting are vividly portrayed.

The reviewer found that reading this novel in India greatly enriched their experience and understanding of the country. The story is filled with vivid characters and a richly detailed setting that bring the historical context to life. They were deeply immersed in the narrative, which they describe as brilliant and thronging. The novel's portrayal of India's history is both enlightening and moving.


Quick quotes

    My enjoyment of this brilliant, thronging novel was enriched by reading it in India, and it in turn deepened my appreciation of the country.

    It in turn deepened my appreciation of the country.

    A vivid glimpse of a highly controversial time in independent India's history.