Reading the Chunksters discussion

I am also loving this book and have read Prologue and Chapter 1. I feel Dina is going to be the central character who ties everything together, but I am interested to see the stories of all the characters. It's interesting that Mistry brings together characters of different backgrounds into Dina's house.

I feel the political situation is also going to be important, there is a feeling of tension about the book, right from the meetings on the train.

I have finished the Prologue and City by the Sea. It is an easy read. I was afraid it would be difficult to understand, but I don't find it difficult at all. In fact, at times, I forget that it is in India till it describes the intense poverty that Dina saw as she was searching for tailors. I can certainly identify with Dina trying to be independent of her controlling brother. It is still a time of tradition, but the world setting was of rebellion in the 70s and Dina, in her way, is rebelling India's traditions and culture. I enjoy reading about different cultures and learning of what constitutes good and bad luck.

Holding this book in your hand, sinking back in your soft armchair, you will say to yourself: perhaps it will amuse me. And after you have read this story of great misfortunes, you will no doubt dine well, blaming the author for your own insensitivity, accusing him of wild exaggeration and flights of fancy. But rest assured: this tragedy is not a fiction. All is true.

Even before the Prologue, I was most struck by Mistry extracting this Balzac quote from his Le Père Goriot and using it to preface the entire novel. While I have not read Le Père.., I am familiar with Balzac who deals in tropes of economic disparity, politics, greed, corruption and class struggle, to name a few. It’s hard not to find Balzac’s words affecting; I’m afraid, I was already deeply entrenched into what the tragic and heartbreaking nature of Mistry’s narrative would be. I recently read Austerlitz by Sebald, and the entire premise for his novel was similar to what Balzac alludes to in those few sentences; essentially, a warning shot to not take what we are reading for granted… it is more than just a story about a few characters in a foreign land experiencing their own atrocious time in history. The book itself serves as a fictitious portal to point in time, to a place of great political upheaval, giving us an up close and personal view of how people endure amidst grief and tragedy, overcoming the worst of life’s offerings. And yet, it also serves as a reminder that the circumstances covered in this novel are still prevalent to many, even today.

I failed to pass judgement on the four characters I met in the prologue. I was still reeling from the Balzac quote, taking it to heart while reading these initial pages. I didn’t think OmPrakash was naive, in fact, I found him to be rather precocious and suspicious minded (7); he’s seventeen, tired, hungry and eager for what lies ahead. I thought it spoke volumes for Dina Dalal to have found Ishvar’s face as one that put people at east and encouraged conversation, it cemented what I had already seen in his treatment of his nephew, that he was a good guy (10). However, I’m skeptical of her, something about Dina bothers me. I was worried for the tailors, considering The Emergency was in effect, how they would be affected by it, or if they would be able to escape it, God willing; but Dina has a flair of something that gives me pause for them. Mostly, I am impressed upon by both uncle and nephew, who were extremely financially insecure, that they were starved for human kindness and grateful for the opportunity given to them as tailors; that their being poverty stricken was not indicative of being incapable of showing kindness (7). There's a humility about them that seeps out through these pages. Beyond the adversity they face, they are still smiling and attempting to enjoy the little things in life...like watermelon sherbet in a crowded and stiflingly hot side street.

I was curious about Dina’s reserved natured, what the impetus for her saving judgement of the tailors and guiding Maneck to not be as open with them would be, other than being cautious of strangers, and having little to do with them just being poor. It’s funny because spending the little time that I did with the tailors, I was quite taken by them and wanted to know more about them immediately. Dina and Maneck fall to the wayside for me, initially. Her story, or what we learn about her in Chapter 1 builds a nice platform for her character to stand on, of course, I will discuss that once a few more people jump into this discussion.

Some of these links may benefit you in your reading, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the Indian culture, events leading up to partition, Indian Independence, etc.

Glossary of Hindi Terms Pertinent to A Fine Balance
Here is a link where you can access a glossary of Hindi terms found in the novel, as well as brief synopses on historical events we come across in the reading.

Indian Partition History/Independece
This link will take you to the background and resources thread for Midnight's Children, another book that takes place in India around the same time. The information presented there is far more detailed, but names, dates and events will apply to this novel as well.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Pamela wrote: "I am also loving this book and have read Prologue and Chapter 1. I feel Dina is going to be the central character who ties everything together, but I am interested to see the stories of all the cha..."

Yes, there is a sense of foreboding. I feel it too, in the references to unwarranted sexual advances, the precarious nature of Dina's home, Dina’s own disposition, allusions of Rustam Dalal and his bike (Oy!), the history of India under the helm of Indira Ghandi ...there's definitely pressure in the air.

Also, this is paan, it's not just for men, women eat it too. And, if you're ever near a paanwalla, make sure to try one with lots of gulkhand which is a preserve made from rose petals. Paan, is more like a chewable digestif.

Ami wrote: "Some of these links may benefit you in your reading, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the Indian culture, events leading up to partition, Indian Independence, etc.

Thank you Ami. I definitely needed to build my schema on this part of India's history.

Tammy Dayton wrote: "Ami wrote: "Some of these links may benefit you in your reading, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the Indian culture, events leading up to partition, Indian Independence, etc.

Thank..."

I needed the refresher myself! Glad you are finding the info beneficial ;)

A knock on the door and you are handed a 12-year reminder of your dead spouse. That's an unfair shock. I'd be pissed.

But then our mind has its own ways of reminding us of the past. An innocuous image triggers a memory which triggers another and soon you are in the midst of a wonderful or tragic remembrance. For Dina it was the rain and mist engulfing the street lamp that triggered her tragic one. But Dina would have few memories that could trigger happy ones, wouldn't she? For Dina its been 12 years of depression. An inability to let go. (Not a criticism.)

I have a feeling we have at least two more tragic flashbacks to go. I need to swallow a happy pill before I go on. Wondering how Dina will handle roommates after all these years of living alone?

Xan Shadowflutter wrote: "A knock on the door and you are handed a 12-year reminder of your dead spouse. That's an unfair shock. I'd be pissed.

But then our mind has its own ways of reminding us of the past. An innocuous ..."

Xan! What a pleasant surprise to see you in here :) Yes! Good times ahead! :)

12 year old gift
It's absolutely maddening, I can only imagine.

But Dina would have few memories that could trigger happy ones, wouldn't she?
Isn't it curious how when the good memories surface, it's always in seeing the better side of her brother...at least this is the way it appeared to me? Mistry seems to be doing a real number on Dina, like a woman who over tweezes her eyebrows...what's left in the end is never attractive. Page after page, we read him to be chipping away at her Dina with tragedy after tragedy. She has this tendency to cope, but not really heal; as I see her still in great emotional pain from you name it (deceased parents, bullying brother, deceased husband, deceased pseudo in-laws). All of this pent up anger, the influence of Mrs. Gupta's inhumane managerial advice...I don't know, this doesn't bode well for the tailors. She has a dark side, and I'm not sure how it's going to manifest in her at this stage in her life. Fingers crossed she learns the error of her ways and drops this Mrs. Gupta like a hot potato. Oof.

I have a feeling we have at least two more tragic flashbacks to go. I need to swallow a happy pill before I go on.
Why two? :P Oh, goodness, Xan...you and me both, a happy pill for real!

I had questions about why Dina was saving her judgment for the tailors earlier, advising Maneck to not be so open with them. After reading Chapter 1, I realize now that it is due to Mrs. Gupta telling her

You're the boss, you must make the rules. Never lose control. Tailors are very strange people -they work tiny needles but strut about as if they were carrying big swords (75).

What a curious thing to say... don't you think?

If anybody is naive, it's Dina Dalal, she's impressionable not only in this new venture of hers, but also because she lacks any real confidence building foundation stemming from her childhood that was bereft of genuine love; and, if there was care/nurturing, it was shown intermittently. Rearing children in the presence of perfunctorily administered care/nurturning, produce children who end up being extremely defensive and insecure people in adulthood*. The love shown to her by Nusswan was one of duty, which is common to many Indian households. Her formative years are spent much like the present circumstances of the tailors...insecure of kindness and respect.

* Neurosis and Human Growth: The Struggle Towards Self-Realization

Ami wrote: "What a curious thing to say... don't you think? "

I walked away with the opinion Mrs. Gupta liked to pontificate, and Dina was virgin territory.

Yes, naive. I like Dina though, but I'm wondering how much she will change, if at all, now that she has employees and has received Mrs. Gupta's throwaway advice. Wouldn't it be something if with the responsibilities she now has she turned into her brother?

Xan Shadowflutter wrote: "Ami wrote: "What a curious thing to say... don't you think? "

I walked away with the opinion Mrs. Gupta liked to pontificate, and Dina was virgin territory.

Yes, naive. I like Dina though, but I'..."

I think you hit the nail on the head, Xan... she will turn into her brother and bully the tailors. I do wonder what role Maneck will play in their established dynamics, a savior, coconspirator; or worse, the person who sits idly by and does nothing?

Lorna wrote: "Good Discussion; I just want to do a quick summary of Chapter 1 that is called City by the Sea but could also be called Chapter 1 - Dina Dalal because she is a main star. Dina is the daughter of a ..."

It's funny that he is so against Pharmacists and in America it is a very respected profession.
I'm not sure what you are implying here; mostly I am afraid the whole statement rings of ethnocentrism to a degree. If anything, I would think it would compel one to understand why the cultural differences exist in conjunction to finding it funny. What does it matter how Americans perceive the relevance of a given profession?

This is America, and that is India; what works here doesn't necessarily mean it would be the same there, does it? The circumstances are poles apart in both countries, which would influence the outlook on gainful and respected employment. Pharmacy is respected because it's a flourishing career in the States, it's not the same for those in India. Despite the growing admissions and acceptance rates for students pursuing pharmacy in India, after graduating, they are still having trouble finding jobs. Nobody is hiring green pharmacists. If this is the case for the last ten years, can you even imagine what it was like for pharmacists in the 1970's?So, what these kids are doing is going back to school for PhD's and masters and entering R & D, and the pharma industry is booming. India is considered to be in the top 5 burgeoning pharmaceutical markets of the world.

I understand how one may find Nusswan's statement odd, considering. However, Rustam is not a pharmacist, he's a pharmaceutical chemist and they are essentially research scientists; Nusswan is saying he is as good as a compounder who does bench work, or menial work (I loved this type of work in college. LOL!)

In Indian society, there wasn't much knowledge about Rustam's career because the Pharma Industry would have been non-existent in India, in the 60's-70's. Aside from this, the point of Nusswan's ridicule stems from the fact that a pharmaceutical chemist will not be making a lot of money despite the amount of education they may have under their belt. Nusswan is worried about how Rustam will provide for Dina and their future household. Nusswan has gone out of his way to introduce Dina to bachelors who either are already raking it in, or have the potential to mint money in their chosen professions. As the head of Dina's household, in a potential mate, Nusswan would be looking to ensure his sister and their future children will be taken care of on Rustam's salary. While having an education is always key, the bottom line is financial stability, it's always about financial stability. Love is great, but it's not going to pay the bills. I can't imagine these thoughts not going through the minds of parents marrying off their children, both then and now.

I'm running a little behind but catching up this week. I liked the introduction to all four of the main characters and think they provide a nice range of perspectives in terms of age, gender, and experience. I did notice that the tailors needle each other quite a bit (no pun intended)!

I like Dina and her feistiness, but feel sad for her. So much loss in her life! Her parents, and then her douchebag brother ruining her life. I think Nusswan honestly had good intentions, but they were based on his priorities and needs. Her education was not important to him, so he let it go; her marriage was, so he pursued that. It was not an unusual viewpoint for that culture and that time, but still sad to watch this opportunity for her slip away. At least he did not succeed in actually choosing her husband! That would, no doubt, been a tragedy as well. He also does not hesitate to use her as the maid--that suits his convenience, as well.

I was disappointed by Dina's choice to remain single after she is widowed. She is still a really young woman. Although her rejection of Nusswan's candidates is understandable, I thought that maybe her relationship with Fredoon might blossom into marriage, but she cut that off so decisively that it couldn't happen.

One nice thing is that I'm picking up on phrases and customs that I was introduced to in The Far Pavilions and Shadow of the Moon, two of my very favorite books. Although they are set around the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, some things never change. I'm looking forward to learning more about India in this time period, and I'm curious to see how these disparate people will come together and deal with the times.

I can smell street food when I am reading this. I think the part that stood out the most from this section is when Dina has her hair taped on with electrical tape after she has it cut.

Then, she has to continue this charade. I liked how this shows what it meant to be a woman at this time. There were cultural expectations that could be enforced by other members of the family.

Marie wrote: "I can smell street food when I am reading this. I think the part that stood out the most from this section is when Dina has her hair taped on with electrical tape after she has it cut.

Then, she ..."

I can smell street food when I am reading this.
I think this is the best comment on here, yet! LOL! Mistry's descriptions, even those of food, are quite visceral in nature. We may as well be right there, right? Dhaba food is supposed to be some of the best in India, we just have to be uber careful because of the water situation...Eat all the fried food you want! :P

I liked how this shows what it meant to be a woman at this time. There were cultural expectations that could be enforced by other members of the family.
This was my takeaway as well. Patriarchy at its best, and then I thought a lot about George Eliot's Middlemarch.

I found the beginning a bit of a slow read. But that's on me, as I wanted to make sure I attached the right names and characteristics to the right new character, I also wanted to make sure I don't gloss over something in the beginning that becomes important later. As Ami points out, there is a feeling of more to come in this first part. I'm hoping it foreshadows some good and not necessarily bad, though I agree there were some disturbing and foreboding sexual references.
Now that I am into the flow of the novel, I'm finding it to be an easy read. Also, while I agree that Dina seems the central character, I am presuming its only because the other 3 characters' backstories remain untold at this time. A lot of story left in this Chunkster.

Manecks sensitivity peaks out in the first meeting between him and the tailors. In his inner monologue, he seemed surprised and (maybe saddened) that the tailors were so grateful for the sharing of the sherbert.

Manek- "How much gratitude for a little sherbet, thought Maneck, how starved they seemed for ordinary kindness."

Also he seems to get attached to people easily and he doesn't seem to have any caution when making friends. Dina's freak-out maybe warranted.
Dina -
“You must be careful who you talk to,” she said. “Never know what kind of crooks you might run into. This is not your little hamlet in the mountains.”

Ive finally had this become available at my library! Ive just read the first part and ill have to comment properly later as im on my phone and typing is difficult.

But for the younger tailor i think that 'suspicious and wary' is a better description of him at least for now.

And Dina I find less jaded than tired. As well as being sad and lonely.

Ok so I am finally on board too. After a crazy busy end of semester, kids etc going on I m getting some time to read. I am well behind only having read the prologue and first chapter but I already think this will be a very interesting book.

Definitely an interesting start; having 3 of the characters be introduced to us by falling all over each other in the train. Can the train be a microcosm of life in India - too many people of all sorts of castes and faiths all crammed in together in the stifling heat while being thrown around by actions outside of their control?

Lorna wrote: "I like the line when she finally tells Nusswan about him and he says "Hah! Pharmaceutical chemist! A bloody compounder! Why don't you use the proper word? That's what he is, mixing prescription powders all day long behind a counter." (p. 35) It's funny that he is so against Pharmacists and in America it is a very respected profession.."

This stood out to me too. I've seen in other books the contempt felt for certain professions which are valued in other parts of the world. In my own country I remember the shift in perspective when after a generation of students had been encouraged to study accounting and computing, we had a chronic shortage of the basic 'trades'. Suddenly there was this collective shift to realization that being a plumber, chippie or electrician was just as worthwhile and could be highly lucrative.

I really like Dina - unsurprising perhaps as she is the one we've seen the most of. Her struggle for independence against the mostly well meaning stifling interference of her brother, so sure that he knows what is best for her.