Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #653 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-19
• Binding: Paperback
• 624 pages

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.

Synopsis
Set in mid-1970s India, a subtle and compelling narrative about four unlikely characters who come together in circumstances no one could have foreseen soon after the government declares a 'State of Internal Emergency'. It is a breathtaking achievement: panoramic yet humane, intensely political yet rich with local delight.

Customer Reviews

What the Dickens
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
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
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.