In the following essay, Schneller considers two novels—Gita Mehta's Raj and Mistry's A Fine Balance—and their authors' respective shaping of historical fact for their narratives.

In the following essay, Mantel assesses A Fine Balance as a political novel at its core—one overtly critical of the political forces in India.

In the following essay, Moss explores Mistry's realistic style, comparing it with the magic realism increasingly evident in South American novels.

In the following review of A Fine Balance, Goldblatt asserts that Mistry imbues his characters with noble strength despite their struggles against the pre-assigned cultural roles in which they are trapped.

In the following review of A Fine Balance, Kagal praises the depiction of humanism and universality of Mistry's writing despite the horrors and incredible tragedies within the novel.