Abhyudaya Shrivastava’s Reviews > A Fine Balance > Status Update

Nearing denouement, the novel is nowhere close to having a point except being an exaggeration of poverty and melancholy in urban India. I guess this novel was written as poverty porn for Westerners by an author who either lacks empathy or is disingenuous. The language is good though.

At this time, I am simply in awe of the writer's choice of words. All criticism aside, this is a well-written book.

Reading this book is not a pleasurable experience at all. I think Mr. Mistry is enjoying a bit too much when he explains the misery of people. There is a clear lack of empathy in this author. The quality of writing is good. The imagery is evocative. But the author is bit disingenuous with his story. It is like reading a foreigner's take on Indian society. Zero compassion. I hope he redeems himself in the coming pages