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New

A Fine Balance

by Rohinton Mistry
RM34.00 MYR
A Fine Balance
A Fine Balance

Uniting disparate lives in India's political turmoil.

"A Fine Balance" immerses you in the personal stories amidst the backdrop of India's historical challenges. Mistry's nuanced portrayal of characters from different walks of life coming together during a period of upheaval is both heartbreaking and illuminating. It's a poignant exploration of human resilience and the threads that bind people together against the odds. If you're someone who appreciates deep, character-driven narratives set against real-world events, this book might just leave a lasting impression on you.

  • Booker Prize Nominee (1996)
  • Winifred Holtby Memorial Prize (1996)
  • Scotiabank Giller Prize (1995)
  • Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction (1996)
  • Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book Overall (1996)
  • CBC Canada Reads Nominee (2002)
  • Dublin Literary Award Nominee for Shortlist (1997)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
New

A Fine Balance

by Rohinton Mistry
RM34.00 MYR
ISBN: 9780571203628
Authors: Rohinton Mistry
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Date of Publication: 2000-03-20
Format: Paperback
Related Collections: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Related Topics: Literature, Asian Literature
Goodreads rating: 4.38
(rated by 154544 readers)

Description

At 600 pages, Mistry's stunning second novel looks intimidating, yet this moving tale of four people caught up in India's 1975 state of emergency -- when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suspended the constitution in order to hold on to power following a scandal -- is an incredibly detailed, compelling read that sweeps you along from the opening pages and is over far too soon. Though it takes place in a time of political upheaval and chaos, A Fine Balance is not a political diatribe. Instead, it is a beautiful and compassionate portrait of the resiliency of the human spirit when faced with death, despair, and unconscionable suffering. Set in an unnamed city by the sea, it is the story of four disenfranchised strangers -- a widow, a young student, and two tailors -- who are forced by their impoverished circumstances to share a cramped apartment. Initially distrustful of one another, Dina, Maneck, Ishvar, and Om gradually build loving, familial bonds and learn together "to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair" in a society suddenly turned inhumanly cruel and corrupt.
Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

Books in Like New Condition

This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Very Good Condition

This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Good Condition

We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Well Read Condition

This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

Find out more about our process here.

 

Uniting disparate lives in India's political turmoil.

"A Fine Balance" immerses you in the personal stories amidst the backdrop of India's historical challenges. Mistry's nuanced portrayal of characters from different walks of life coming together during a period of upheaval is both heartbreaking and illuminating. It's a poignant exploration of human resilience and the threads that bind people together against the odds. If you're someone who appreciates deep, character-driven narratives set against real-world events, this book might just leave a lasting impression on you.

  • Booker Prize Nominee (1996)
  • Winifred Holtby Memorial Prize (1996)
  • Scotiabank Giller Prize (1995)
  • Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction (1996)
  • Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book Overall (1996)
  • CBC Canada Reads Nominee (2002)
  • Dublin Literary Award Nominee for Shortlist (1997)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

Literary Fiction Books

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The Fraud
Zadie Smith | Penguin

The Fraud

RM41.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.28

RM41.00 MYR

34% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're drawn to rich historical tapestries that connect diverse worlds, "The Fraud" would be a perfect choice. Zadie Smith offers an immersive journey through Victorian England with a narrative that binds the lives of a cockney butcher, a former slave, and a literary circle. It's a book that not only captures the essence of identity and storytelling, but does so with the keen insight and vibrant characterization that Smith is renowned for.
Barracuda
Christos Tsiolkas | Atlantic Books

Barracuda

RM34.00 MYR RM22.00 MYR 35% off

Goodreads rating: 3.69

RM34.00 MYR RM22.00 MYR 35% off

75% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"Barracuda" could be a good read for readers who enjoy introspective stories that delve deeply into the flawed psyche of a character. This book is unique in the way it portrays the world of competitive swimming, with the added dimension of class struggle and prejudices. The story also touches on themes of reconciliations and self-discovery, all the while providing vivid descriptions of swimming, which is refreshing and unusual. Overall, "Barracuda" is a poignant and moving book that will resonate with those who enjoy delving into the nuances of the human psyche.
Seek My Face
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John Updike | Alfred A. Knopf

Seek My Face

RM45.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.36

RM45.00 MYR

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"Seek My Face" offers a profound exploration of memory, art, and identity. Updike's exquisite prose paints the life of Hope Chafetz in all its complexity, reflecting the broader canvas of American art history. Diving into this book is like spending a rainy day enveloped in the richness of an artist's studio – you emerge with a sense of having touched something deeply human and inherently beautiful.
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Mary Kubica | Park Row

Pretty Baby A Thrilling Suspense Novel from the Nyt Bestselling Author of Local Woman Missing

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Goodreads rating: 3.72

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If you're into stories where compassion meets complexity, "Pretty Baby" will likely catch your attention. Mary Kubica has a knack for crafting suspenseful scenarios that make you question the true cost of kindness. Imagine the tension of inviting a stranger into your home, only to find that their past could upend your life. It's that kind of unpredictability and moral intrigue that makes this book a gripping read.
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Ernest Hemingway | Scribner

In Our Time

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Goodreads rating: 3.75

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If you're drawn to the beauty of minimalism in writing, Hemingway's "In Our Time" is a journey you'll want to embark upon. Its staccato rhythm and unvarnished portrayal of human experience have a way of quietly etching themselves into your consciousness. You'll find stories here that resonate with the subtleties of life, showcasing Hemingway's unparalleled ability to reveal the profound through understatement.
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Rani Manicka | Hodder

The Rice Mother

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Goodreads rating: 4.16

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"The Rice Mother" unfolds as richly as a tapestry, with Lakshmi's poignant story etching itself into your heart. As you turn each page, you'll find yourself steeped in the vivid cultural backdrop of Malaya, wrestling with the complexities of familial devotion and the harsh realities of poverty. It's a narrative that's as resilient and powerful as the matriarch it portrays, sure to resonate with anyone who appreciates family epics told with raw honesty and lush detail.
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Celia Fremlin | Faber & Faber

The Hours Before Dawn

RM34.00 MYR RM15.00 MYR 56% off

Goodreads rating: 3.78

RM34.00 MYR RM15.00 MYR 56% off

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Imagine you're so exhausted that reality begins to blur. That's Louise's life in "The Hours Before Dawn." Fremlin brilliantly paints a portrait of a woman on the edge, and the additional layer of an unsettling houseguest nests a thriller within a domestic shell. If you relish narratives that explore the psyche under pressure, dressed in the dark fabric of the '50s, this book will grip you, offering little reprieve until its conclusion.
From the Belly of the Cat
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Paul Tan, Paul Ruta, Stephanie Ye  | Math Paper Press

From the Belly of the Cat

RM37.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.84

RM37.00 MYR

In stock: Well Read

This book is a must-read for cat lovers and those who are curious about the unique bond between writers and cats. Dive into the lively and enchanting Lion City through the eyes of its feline residents and their human counterparts. Each tale in this anthology, crafted by talented writers with a penchant for cats, will transport you to a world of whimsy, mystery, and heartwarming moments. Curl up with this book on a lazy afternoon, accompanied by a warm cup of tea and a furry companion by your side, for an unforgettable literary experience.
The Good Soldier
Ford Madox Ford | Arcturus Holdings Limited

The Good Soldier

RM34.00 MYR RM22.00 MYR 35% off

Goodreads rating: 3.68

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67% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"The Good Soldier" may just speak to you if you're intrigued by the complexities of human relationships and the facades we maintain. Imagine sitting down with John Dowell as he untangles the web of love, betrayal, and the stark reality beneath the manners of his social circle. Ford crafts a narrative that invites skepticism and reflection, making you question not just the story you're told but the very nature of truth and perspective in our own lives. It's a classic not because it shocks but because it resonates with the timeless dance of appearances and reality.
Delayed Rays of a Star
Amanda Lee Koe | Bloomsbury Publishing

Delayed Rays of a Star

RM37.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.74

RM37.00 MYR

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Dive into "Delayed Rays of a Star" if historical fiction layered with powerful female narratives entices you. This novel extends an invitation to walk alongside Marlene, Anna May, and Leni, each a fascinating embodiment of success and struggle during times when the world was rapidly changing. Their complexity captures the essence of an era, making it both discerning and reflective for today's readers.

Literary Fiction Books

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Historical Fiction Books

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The Unseen
Don Bartlett, Don Shaw, Roy Jacobsen  | Maclehose Press

The Unseen

RM34.00 MYR RM19.00 MYR 44% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

RM34.00 MYR RM19.00 MYR 44% off

81% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

"The Unseen" is an evocative exploration of isolation and the inevitable pull of the outside world. Delving into Ingrid's life, you're transported to the stark yet mesmerizing reality of enduring on a remote Norwegian island. The novel intricately weaves themes of tradition, family bonds, and personal ambition. It's a tale that captures the conflict between the comfort of home and the lure of the unknown. If you're drawn to narratives that mirror the intricacies of human desires against a backdrop of natural beauty, this book might just resonate with you.
Cold Mountain
Charles Frazier | Vintage

Cold Mountain

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Goodreads rating: 3.89

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George R.R. Martin | Bantam Books

A Feast for Crows

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Elizabeth Gilbert | Penguin

The Signature of All Things

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Moby Dick
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Herman Melville, Laure Dupont, Christophe Chabouté  | Dark Horse Books

Moby Dick

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The Book of Daniel
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E.L. Doctorow | Penguin Classics

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The Dovekeepers
Alice Hoffman | Simon & Schuster

The Dovekeepers

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Historical Fiction Books

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