One of my top 10. Possibly one of my top 5!

A long novel but well worth the effort - gives an indepth understanding of India in the 1970's through the eyes of four characters who end up living together for a time.

This tightly-written story of four Indian people with differing backgrounds was entertaining. The inter-mingled stories were unpredictable, making for a very refreshing read. I highly recommend Mistry's writing, and I look forward to reading more from him. (Feb 2003)

Third time to read it and I get more out of it every time! Characters and story weaved together perfectly.

Not my favorite book at all. The unremitting hardship and cruelty presented in this book becomes overwhelming and grinds any reading pleasure to ashes. The author offers no respite for the reader, no glimmer of hope, no redemption. The horrors just multiply. Three years post-read I still feel taken advantage of and ripped off as a reader. I don't know if I would ever trust this author again with the time it takes to read another book.

A truly great novel by one of the finest writers of this or any century. The characters are inspirational and unforgettable, although quite ordinary people. The setting, the story, the writing are all unforgettable. Mistry has been compared to Dickens - I just wish he would write more!!! I wait for his next novel.

Oprah’s got it right this time. Life in India is like life anywhere else. A perpetual hierarchy. Not matter where you are there will be someone worse of and someone better of than you. The important part is to be happy wherever you are. It is full of humour and pain, despair and hope. It made grateful. It’s not a short novel, but unlike the Stieg Larsson stuff, you don’t feel the length.

One of the best books I have ever read. You will learn a lot about how different people handle difficult situations. I especially admire the attitude of the uncle in the story. This book also gives you a great insight into India and it's struggles.

I miss the characters in the book. Beautiful book. Read it along with "Shantaram."

One of my favourite books of all time. I've read it twice. I will never forget the main characters.