Product Description
With a compassionate realism and narrative sweep that recall the work of Charles Dickens, this magnificent novel captures all the cruelty and corruption, dignity and heroism, of India. The time is 1975.
The place is an unnamed city by the sea. The government has just declared a State of Emergency, in whose upheavals four strangers--a spirited widow, a young student uprooted from his idyllic hill station, and two tailors who have fled the caste violence of their native village--will be thrust together, forced to share one cramped apartment and an uncertain future.
Customer Reviews
A Fine Balance By Michael J
I thought the book gave a very true picture of the situation in India among the different classes. Very touching. Very moving.
A book with a soul By J. Pellegrini
The book is a wonderful read and I won't get into the story, but it will make you care, it will make you think, and it will move you. Very highly recommended.
Second Time By Nunnzy
The first time I read this book, I was so furious I threw it in the recycle bin. It never keft my mind. It had such a horrible ending but I could not put the book down. I bought it and it sat in my room for 5 years before I picked it up again. Even though I knew the ending, I still remained truly depressed after finishing it. For days I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me, then I realized I was so deeply affected by this book a second time.
Exquisitely told
Mistry is truly a storytelling genius. I was completely engaged from the very beginning and was never let down. The characters are interesting and their story is so unique, so heartwrenching, and such an example of what human beings are capable of -- good and bad that I was sorry to see this long book end. Highly recommended for those who love a good story told by a master.
My favorite book By Egwit
This is truly my favorite book of all time. It did what i believe good books have to do: it made me care, both about the people and the subject matter. When I put it down to do something else I felt a sense of urgency to get back to see what my friends, the characters, were doing while I was away. Although incredibly tragic things happen throughout the book, that isn't the feeling I was left with. It's much more about the amazing intersection of people's lives, and the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit. It's a long book and yet I still wanted more. Unfortunately I didn't have the same experience at all with Mistry's other work. Buy it and enjoy!
Wonderful read By betchy
I loved this book and read it from cover to cover in no time...
A reality far from our own in North America which reveals the struggles and resilience of an amazing group of people.
A must for all avid readers
A very powerful and poignant book, you may also find it very disturbing, but a must read if you want to learn the true plight of all the street urchins. You will understand and feel more compassion, next time you see a physically challenged beggar in the cities of India. You certainly will not turn away without the twinge of conscience 'I should have helped'
Amazingly well written By M.O.
Mistry has done a fine job of bringing out the lives and struggles of four individuals torn by archaic cultures and values in India. The story of a widow struggling to make it on her own in a society that perhaps was still in the century male-dominated era.
The story of a student sent by poor parent to make it big in the city - perhaps a very inherent part of the real India the way we know it today. Yes the book is heavy and leaves you with a lot to think about, but it arouses a sense of empathy for the families and an appreciation of what we have in a society that is far removed from such stereotypes and nonsensical norms.
Lovely book, a must read if you wish to expand your horizons and gain an insight into a part of India, a rapidly growing economy but with a disparate income distribution - this story is about the have-nots.
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