Mistry's portrayal of the poverty and challenges in India is one of the most incredible narratives I have ever come across. His writing truly haunts your conscience. The characters are both detestable and lovable, manipulative and honest, ugly and attractive. These opposites accurately summarize the central paradoxical themes that permeate the text. Life is all about achieving a fine balance but sometimes that involves both sacrifice and pain. I highly recommend this read but I also caution the reader - you won't be the same after experiencing this novel.
5 Monkeys / 5 (this rating scale actually works for this novel . . . read it to find out why)