Family Matters
Rohinton Mistry
On the Booker prize shortlist, a long tale about life in
contemporary Bombay, centred around an elderly man with a guilty
past being shuffled between his children, each of whom have, in
their own way, some difficulty in caring for him. There's a
strong feeling of the consequences of acting dishonourably
including one shocking scene where the perpetrators of a lie get
their come-uppance in a devastating way. The book brings in many
themes apart from this, the caste system, nationalist politics
and religious fundamentalism. Recommended.
Andrew 29/9/02
This one didn't win the Booker prize this year but is,
nevertheless, excellent. There is a small family coping with life
in Bombay (Mumbai). The characters of the children are wonderful.
Recommended.
Gill 3/11/02
This was good, but Jane didn't like it at first. She thought it
was all set up but it turned out quite differently. It's a simple
story. The characters are well drawn except the youngest daughter
who is too good to be true. Gill disagreed saying the character
was believable and Andrew thought it was meant as a deliberate
contrast between the daughters.
Caroline recommended the book.
Jane 4/5/03
Terrific and very very funny. Gill and Doreen were surprised;
they hadn't found it funny but agreed it was a very good novel.
Bob 14/9/03
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.