A Fine Balance

by Rohinton Mistry

What an incredible novel!  So many customers have recommeded this for so many years. Not only is the plot captivating, Mistry's writing style is both humorous and genius. Here were some of my favorite quotes: "You know Maneck, the human face has limited space.  My mother used to say, if you fill your face with laughing, there will be no room for crying." This one is so beautifully gross: "After he finished she sat and threw up beside his snoring, rumbling body.  During the night he awoke and enlarged her little splash with a torrent of bilious vomit.  Later, she heard a slurping and opened her eyes; rats were supping on their mingled effluent." (p 448).  I loved this observation on aging: "The stick wristed figure looked nothing like the Dina Aunty he had left eight years ago.  Eight years in passing were entitled to take their toll; but this-this was more than a toll, this was outright banditry." (p. 594).  A Fine Balance is an exquisite depiction of human tragedy, compassion and love.  Five out of five stars!