Customer Reviews
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.
Fails to inspire.......... - By: Mr. Tony Griffiths, 14 May 2008 
I reallly wanted to like this book. Promising start & a good introduction to the characters, but the novel just seems to drone on & on.
It tries so hard to deliver "India in the 70's", with its blend of corruption, greed, strife & suffering. Unfortunately, it never reallly hits anywhere near the 5 star mark. I didnt feel any compassion at alll to our central characters. Indeed, at times, I became frustrated with the whole affair & abandoned the book for a few days. Then resume, hoping something exciting/enthrallling would happen. Er, no.
Its hard work to stick with. And once I'd read it, I didnt reallly feel anything inspiring had happened to me.
Disappointing. Just goes to show you shouldnt rely on alll the feedback you see! Its alll down to personal taste I suppose. And this wasnt a "change your life" read for me at alll.
never to be forgotton - By: linda chetwynd, 08 May 2008 I read this book more than 10 years ago. It was an emotional roller coaster. When reading it publicly people would smile at the expressions on my face - smiling, sadness, grimacing. An amazing book that I have recommended to many many people. When talking to one friend about what book would he take to his grave this was the one he chose. Never have I been so emotionallly bound by a book & never has a book left such an indelible impression on my mind.
I never cry... this made me cry! - By: D. W. Allen, 28 Apr 2008 At first it may seem like a cutesey, twee little story, but as Mistry's prose weave their magic prepare to feel it!
I won't go on as there are plenty of reviews here but I will just say that this is my favourite book. The reason? Because is it is deeply human & that made me cry. I never cry (even though at times I damn well need to !) & this book managed to make me.
A great story. A triumph & a tragedy told with supreme skill.
