A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

Set in 1975 India during “The Emergency” when the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, “ruled by decree”, A Fine Balance tells the stories of four people who, because of circumstances, end up living together in a small flat.

Dina Dalal, a woman left with no man to love. Maneck Kohlan, a rich guy who had grown up on a small mountain village near the Pakistan border. And of course, the uncle and nephew, Ishvar and Om Darji; members of a caste so low they were untouchable. 

The stories of the past of these characters create a depth of understanding in the reader and as their story unfolds, we feel emotionally invested in their future. One thinks they're about to read a one sided opinion on the times where Gandhi was PM, but that's almost just an event that helps set the scene. The characters and their uniquely woven stories and the way they intertwined is what really made this novel such a good book. I can see why it's on Oprah's list! This book is just straight up simple language. You don't see any thesaurus use in here, but that's what makes this book so good. The simplicity of the words, and the complex plot meshed together creates this beautiful story. The characters feel so real especially the uncle and nephew that when they're being annoying, I felt annoyed as well at their foolish behaviour! The plot is interesting as well, I kept on flipping the page to find out where everything was taking me. 

Ugh! I just can't put it into words how good this book is! Yes there are times when some events are stretched, or times where one wishes the author would go into more detail, but those are mediocre complaints because the story this book has to tell is just incredible. I cried at the end of it, if that's enough proof. 

5/5 definitely!