Mistry, Rohinton

(Indian, 1952– )

Mistry has lived in Canada since 1975. He writes big books, the size and scope of classic nineteenth-century novels. But if you want to get a flavour of his writing, the short story collection Tales from Firozsha Baag (1987) is a good place to start. All the stories revolve round life in one apartment building in Bombay and establish Mistry's hallmarks of finely differentiated characters, detailed observation of the habits of everyday life, and clear, graceful language. Then settle in for a long, easy, deeply satisfying read with Such a Long Journey (1991), which tells the story of Gustad Noble, bank-worker and family man, or A Fine Balance (1996) which brings a lively widow, two Untouchable tailors, and a student of refrigeration to share accommodation during Mrs Gandhi's Emergency.

Vikram Seth, Graham Swift, V. S. Naipaul. See CANADA  RV