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Jaidee's Reviews > A Fine Balance
A Fine Balance
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3 "tragedy diminished by histrionics" stars !!
I know this is a good book and that Mr. Mistry is an excellent writer. The use of language is mostly elegant, vivid and the stories interweave in a logical and natural way. There was not a dull moment to be had in this sprawling saga set in 1970s India. The characters were likable and their struggles are real, heart-wrenching and horrendous.
I have a HUGE issue though with the presentation of the characters' emotional and psychological lives. Although at times Mr. Mistry got the emotional timbre "bang on" (especially in the very moving epilogue), more often the very sad and tragic events were shrouded not only with histrionic melodrama but often really tasteless slapstick that jarred the senses and I was left feeling "are they going to start in on Bollywood singing and dancing?!?"
Many of my real life friends and by the looks of it my Goodread buddies found this book to be a masterpiece. For me though, this book was a good read tinged with disappointment. This was an excellent story covered in a too brightly colored cloth that was then wrapped with cheap gaudy gold ribbon that was then placed in a too bright metallic basket. Too much bloody glare to really appreciate the true gems that lay underneath!!!
I know this is a good book and that Mr. Mistry is an excellent writer. The use of language is mostly elegant, vivid and the stories interweave in a logical and natural way. There was not a dull moment to be had in this sprawling saga set in 1970s India. The characters were likable and their struggles are real, heart-wrenching and horrendous.
I have a HUGE issue though with the presentation of the characters' emotional and psychological lives. Although at times Mr. Mistry got the emotional timbre "bang on" (especially in the very moving epilogue), more often the very sad and tragic events were shrouded not only with histrionic melodrama but often really tasteless slapstick that jarred the senses and I was left feeling "are they going to start in on Bollywood singing and dancing?!?"
Many of my real life friends and by the looks of it my Goodread buddies found this book to be a masterpiece. For me though, this book was a good read tinged with disappointment. This was an excellent story covered in a too brightly colored cloth that was then wrapped with cheap gaudy gold ribbon that was then placed in a too bright metallic basket. Too much bloody glare to really appreciate the true gems that lay underneath!!!
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A Fine Balance.
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Reading Progress
September 4, 2013
– Shelved as:
to-read
September 4, 2013
– Shelved
March 17, 2015
–
Started Reading
March 19, 2015
–
2.0%
March 19, 2015
–
4.0%
March 20, 2015
–
7.0%
March 21, 2015
–
8.0%
March 22, 2015
–
11.0%
March 23, 2015
–
12.0%
March 24, 2015
–
14.0%
March 26, 2015
–
15.0%
March 27, 2015
–
18.0%
March 28, 2015
–
21.0%
March 29, 2015
–
23.0%
March 30, 2015
–
24.0%
April 1, 2015
–
26.0%
April 1, 2015
–
28.0%
April 2, 2015
–
30.0%
April 3, 2015
–
31.0%
April 4, 2015
–
32.0%
April 4, 2015
–
35.0%
April 5, 2015
–
37.0%
April 5, 2015
–
39.0%
April 5, 2015
–
42.0%
April 6, 2015
–
43.0%
April 7, 2015
–
46.0%
April 7, 2015
–
49.0%
April 8, 2015
–
50.0%
April 9, 2015
–
53.0%
April 9, 2015
–
55.0%
April 9, 2015
–
55.0%
April 10, 2015
–
56.0%
April 11, 2015
–
59.0%
April 11, 2015
–
61.0%
April 12, 2015
–
63.0%
April 13, 2015
–
65.0%
April 13, 2015
–
67.0%
April 14, 2015
–
68.0%
April 15, 2015
–
71.0%
April 15, 2015
–
72.0%
April 15, 2015
–
75.0%
April 16, 2015
–
78.0%
April 17, 2015
–
80.0%
April 18, 2015
–
83.0%
April 20, 2015
–
85.0%
April 21, 2015
–
88.0%
April 22, 2015
–
91.0%
April 23, 2015
–
97.0%
April 23, 2015
– Shelved as:
three-stars-books
April 23, 2015
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-19 of 19 (19 new)
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message 1:
by
howl of minerva
(new)
-
rated it 2 stars
Aug 31, 2015 04:25AM
Glad I'm not the only one who felt that way. The OTT tragedy just seemed completely contrived to pull the heart strings and in the last quarter of the book the character arcs just hit a wall, as if he was rushing for a deadline and couldn't be bothered.
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howl of minerva wrote: "Glad I'm not the only one who felt that way. The OTT tragedy just seemed completely contrived to pull the heart strings and in the last quarter of the book the character arcs just hit a wall, as if..."Yes you said it very succinctly. I agree wholeheartedly.
Like you, I loved the writing, Jaidee. Couldn't fault the writing. The writing was, indeed, superb. It was the evolution of the story that disappointed.
Kevin wrote: "Like you, I loved the writing, Jaidee. Couldn't fault the writing. The writing was, indeed, superb. It was the evolution of the story that disappointed."
Thanks kindly good sir. Sorry for the late reply. Just back from a lovely little jaunt to the Carribean :)
Jaidee, glad to hear that you had a lovely time in the Caribbean! I read this a few years before I joined Good Reads . I remember feeling the same as you and pretty much all the friends who have commented here. The writing was wonderful, it was the story that ruined it for me, the evolution of the story, as Kevin said.
Negin wrote: "Jaidee, glad to hear that you had a lovely time in the Caribbean! I read this a few years before I joined Good Reads . I remember feeling the same as you and pretty much all the friends who have c..."
Mwah I missed you my little French macaroon :)
Jaidee wrote: "Negin wrote: "Jaidee, glad to hear that you had a lovely time in the Caribbean! I read this a few years before I joined Good Reads . I remember feeling the same as you and pretty much all the frie..."
You are so sweet and so kind. Roya and I thought of you often during our trip to Italy. I've missed you also. no macaroons this time, but trust me, lots and lots of gelato! Each of us gained about 10 pounds, but we had fun doing so! Where did you go in the Caribbean? As you may recall, we're in Grenada.
I bought the Beatrix Potter collection book - the hardcover one that I think you loved - when we were in Miami. Looking forward to reading it hopefully soon.
Jaidee wrote: "Just back from a lovely little jaunt to the Carribean :) ..."Whaaaat?
I get accused of enjoying too many lavish holidays but you, sir, have outdone me!
A duel it is, sir! I demand satisfaction! (um, where did I put my glove?)
Your review is wrapped with an ungaudy gold ribbon, my friend! I should someday check this out. I sometimes like histrionics, but the Bollywood dancing and the slapstick would annoy me.
Negin wrote: "Jaidee wrote: "Negin wrote: "Jaidee, glad to hear that you had a lovely time in the Caribbean! I read this a few years before I joined Good Reads . I remember feeling the same as you and pretty mu..."
I will send you a PM Negin in a few days. So glad you and the family had a blast !!
Debbie wrote: "Your review is wrapped with an ungaudy gold ribbon, my friend! I should someday check this out. I sometimes like histrionics, but the Bollywood dancing and the slapstick would annoy me."I really wonder what you would make of this Debbie....hmmmm I will await your verdict !
Kevin wrote: "Jaidee wrote: "Just back from a lovely little jaunt to the Carribean :) ..."Whaaaat?
I get accused of enjoying too many lavish holidays but you, sir, have outdone me!
A duel it is, sir! I demand..."
Lets go for a drink instead !
Jaidee wrote: "Lets go for a drink instead ! ..."Ohh, go on then! ; )
Jaidee , I have this on my list because of the reviews, but haven’t read it yet . I appreciate your honesty and don’t feel so badly about not getting to it .
Angela M wrote: "Jaidee , I have this on my list because of the reviews, but haven’t read it yet . I appreciate your honesty and don’t feel so badly about not getting to it ."Thanx Angela, I will be most interested in your perspective and opinion if you do decide to read it !
I fall for wonderful writing but will do without the flash. Thanks, Jaidee!
Tammy wrote: "I fall for wonderful writing but will do without the flash. Thanks, Jaidee!"your welcome Tammy :)
Fair review. Not every book is for every reader and I appreciate that you tell why it didn't work for you.
Lisa wrote: "Fair review. Not every book is for every reader and I appreciate that you tell why it didn't work for you."What might have been lol !
Very happy it was a five star for you though🧁🦝
