I have just finished reading A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. I was an interesting read, I have to admit. At first I was hesitant to read it because I have very little background knowledge about India, but in the end that didn't really matter.
It takes place in Mumbai, India between 1975 and 1977 during the Emergency. It doesn't actually say where it takes place, but a little research clears this up. I think he purposely keeps this vague because then it doesn't focus on the history of The Emergency but on the characters who have to live through this period.
There are a number of themes that weave its way through this novel. There are of course the political, such as the effect of totaltarianism on regular people, and how far corruption can hurt people. There are also the themes of the role of women, the question of self-reliance and what is family. What I enjoyed was the question of the thin line between good and bad, and between vulnerability and fortitude.
Overall, reading this book was like wrapping myself in silk. It was beautiful to read, and I will suggest this book to everyone.
