This book is really about life and death in a Parsi family who’s patriarch is dying of Parkinson’s disease and needs to be cared for. There are so many other dynamics to the story, of course, and plot twists. It is at heart a sad book, but there is also love and revenge and cruelness and joy. Mistry is an excellent writer and has captured the story of this family with exquisite grace.

I loved this book. Mistry is an excellent writer, and this was my favorite. Actually in my top 5 of all the books I’ve read across the board.

poignant is oft misused in book reviews yet it is the word that best fits this close study of how a family deals with caring for parents in their old age. How do children react, who pays the bills, which child should take care of dad who needs bedrest and who cleans the bedpans. An emotional book.

(listening to the audible.com version on mp3)

(completed 2004/08/08)

Amazing, amazing book.