Feb 18, 2009 04:04 PM
3354 Views
About the Author -
Frankly, I am a Rohinton Mistry fan & this is his 3rd book that I have read & have to say that he has never disappointed me. I can buy his books without ever taking a 2nd opinion on them & know that I will not regret it. If you have ever read his books, you already know that his stories revolve around the following:
1) The Real india & Indians – Most of the NRI writers that you come across write about the Urban India & have totally neglected the real India, which consists of the middle class families, the values & traditions which are imbibed in each child by his parents & the fight to meet the ends meet.
2) Parsi family – Since he understands & can relate to Parsi traditions, his plot revolves around them.
3) Depressing - If you like Daniele Steel’s books then forget about reading Mistry. As his stories are so real in life that he makes sure you keep thinking about them long after you have finished reading them. Sad is the flavor for all his books.
The Storyline -
The story revolves around 4 characters – a Parsi old lady living alone in a flat, 2 tailors from a small village & a Parsi teenage boy who is in college. The story talks about the above characters life & adventure during the time of emergency & how they come to live in one house. The story keeps taking you to past & present of the 4 characters & gives you an insight into their life & character.
It also introduces you to characters that you know about but never get to interact. Like the monkey man, the hair collector, the beggar master & the beggar who’s hands & legs were amputated.
My Verdict -
The beauty of the story is that Mistry never takes any names of places or politicians during the entire book. However, you know exactly who he is talking about. Like Indira Gandhi during emergency or her son Rajiv Gandhi the next in line politician. Similarly the “City by Sea” is Mumbai.
Mistry makes you realize that true happiness is inner happiness & no matter how rich or poor you are, it is your passion for life which takes you ahead in life.
Though you began to hate Indira Gandhi for what she did during the emergency period, you also realize that the history books given to you in school were so boring & that you can learn so much more about the Indian Histoty through these books.
Do not miss this book if you are a book lover!
