Book Reviews
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
A Fine Balance takes the reader to a time of political turmoil in India in the 1970’s. The
novel is set primarily in Bombay, but also paints a picture of rural life as lived by people who
later ‘escaped’ to the city. It is easy to read, with dialogue that captures both the simplicity and
the complexity of life. Individual lives seem to be constantly at peril from events over which
they have no control due to the political uncertainty and corruption of the time. For a time, four
people: a widow, two tailors who work for her and a student who rents a room in her house, find
camaraderie, caring and companionship in spite of the upheavals right outside their door. This
does not last and the realities of life finally overtake them all despite their struggles to escape the
social confines of their society. Mistry uses his detailed portrayal of individual lives to convey a
distinct sense of place and time in a world that is changing and yet does not change.
Rose Gibbs
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits is a wonderful family saga that introduces us to
the culture of Chile as the author describes the lives of several generations of the Trueba family.
There is something for everyone who loves a good narrative, as Allende is an amazing
storyteller. Her main characters are drawn in depth with all the complexities and contradictions
of real people. There are the love stories, the magical realism typical of many Latin American
novels, the description of the class divisions inherent in the society, the conflicts over land
distribution and the political turmoil caused by the historical divisions between landowner and
peasant, European and Indian. Highly recommended. Grade 12 Level.
Rose Gibbs
Morgan’s Run by Colleen McCullough
This is a wonderful work of historical fiction that describes the social conditions in
eighteenth century England that led to the founding of modern Australia. The novel chronicles
the harshness of the English penal system of the period and gives us a feel for the language used
at the time. The journey out to an uncharted world and the horrors of the ships that were
originally slave ships are described in sometimes numbing detail. The novel is based on the lives
of real people, like Richard Morgan, who survived the horrible journey, and who were able,
despite all odds, to carve out a life for themselves in this new world. This is a beautifully told
narrative that will keep you turning the page.
Rose Gibbs
The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx
The Shipping News paints a detailed picture of life on the Newfoundland coast. It
captures both the beauty and the harshness of the climate and the landscape while portraying
interesting, strong people who have adapted in a variety of ways to their environment. The main
character, Quoyle, moves back home to Newfoundland after growing up and living for many
years in the United States. He has experienced many disappointments and suffered through
many insecurities. Here in his ancestral home he seems to find himself. He makes a home for
himself and his daughters and comes to embrace the possibilities that life offers in a new
environment. This is a wonderful Canadian story that takes the reader into the heart of a small
Newfoundland community.
Rose Gibbs
This Year Will Be Different and Other Stories by Maeve Binchy
This collection of Short Stories by Maeve Binchy all have on theme: the Christmas
holiday season and the various ways in which different individuals and families either celebrate
it or simply get through it. Maeve Binchy beautifully conveys the variety of emotions that many
people experience at this time of year: anticipation, hope, dread, loneliness as well as love and
the Christmas spirit.
Rose Gibbs