In 1971 Bombay, Gustad Noble, a Parsi bank clerk, tries to keep his family steady as the city edges toward war with Pakistan. When his old friend Major Bilimoria asks him to take part in a secret scheme involving a bank deposit, Gustad agrees, and the favor drags him into the corruption of Indira Gandhi's government. Meanwhile his son Sohrab defies him by refusing a place at the elite IIT, and his daughter falls ill, and neighbors such as the simple-minded Tehmul complicate his days.
Mistry writes about the Parsi community with affection and exactness, so the novel suits readers who like family-centered fiction set in a real historical moment. It also works for anyone interested in how private loyalties collide with public events.
Thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1991
- Language
- EN
