Such A Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry

Such A Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry


Posted by Lise on September 22, 2010 at 11:53 PM delete edit comments (0)

Such A Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry, March 12, 2008

This novel was given to me by my mom, who loved loved loved his novel A Fine Balance, which I insisted she read. So taken was she that she bought three copies of Such A Long Journey in support of this great author. It took me longer to get into this book, Mistry's first novel, but it was very good. Mistry takes us to a middle class household in India during the days of Indira Ghandi's rule, and the climax of the book coincides with the war between India and Pakistan. I have to confess, I know very little about the history of these regions. I am learning more and more because I'm seeming to find myself lost within the pages of novels of India of late. Even the late Bhutto makes an appearance, through the news media, in this book.

Primarily, Such A Long Journey is the story of a family, and the community of friends that makes up the larger family of society. Through the eyes of the narrator, Gustad, we see an India of hope and prosperity -- the India in which he grew up -- and the India of the novel's time, when hope begins to waver and acceptance of the life that is takes root. I think, having now read two of Mistry's novels, his gift is showing us the joy that can be found in the small things, such as friendships, and understanding. I look forward to reading other of his books, as well.

Genre: Literary Fiction

Rating: ****