Customer Reviews
What the Dickens - By: Saffron, 15 Aug 2008 
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, & I am reallly glad that she kept on at me until i did.
It is at times an uncomfortable read - it highlights caste violence, government-backed brutality & extreme poverty, without ever sensationalising any of it. It is also, believe it or not, humourous, gentle & touching at the same time as being absolutely tragic & harrowing. the characters are beautifully fleshed-out, & the sights, smells & tastes of India are there as you read. I was so engrossed in the characters that I desperately wanted a happy ending for them alll.
Whilst reading, it was sometimes hard to believe that this book is set in relatively modern times - the 70s - so cruel & astonishing are some of the incidents it relates. When I finished, I looked around at my home & children & realised exactly how fortunate I am. Not life-changing perhaps, but profoundly moving & unforgettable.
Beautiful book - By: Rachel Paley, 12 Aug 2008 This book is reallly beautiful - & one of my alll time favourite novels.
Whilst it is sad, the characters also have a good sense of humour & 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 - By: Shezza77, 02 Aug 2008 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 & 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 & I began dreaming about them & thinking about them during everyday life.
The themes & issues dealt with by Mistry have changed the way I view the world & have had a huge impact upon my outlook. I cried several times during my reading of the book & had to put it aside for some hours before I could continue reading.
The ending is shocking & 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.
A very dark tale. I regret reading it. - By: P. Kannan, 17 Jul 2008 
I got this book based on the excellent reviews that I read from Amazon. When I finished it, I am only left with sadness for the characters to have such an unfortunate life in the hands of author. I can understand the true intentions of the author to portray once his own country as vicious as depicted. If you still wondering what happens to the child balancing at the top in the front cover, according to the author "their hands were cut off, blinded, backs twisted & turned into beggars". In curiosity if you felt like reading & managed to finish it, you will feel like Maneck at the end.......clueless & lost. For me, I would not read a book based on Amazon review again.
Devestating, inspiring, amazing - By: Rhona, 20 May 2008 Devestating, inspiring, amazing - this is defintely on my list of top ten fav books. You get a real insight into India's history & politics but through the human condition. The characters are complex & believable, the story beautifully written & awe making. I cried & cried at the warmth & goodness people have in their hearts & at the hopelessness & tragedy surrounding us. I emerged from this story a different person (I mean, I do after each book I read, but this was particularly pronounced). Everyone should read this once in their lives.
