FAMILY MATTERS

The long-awaited new novel from the twice Booker-shortlisted author. Family Matters is an intricate story of domestic conflict set against modern-day Bombay. The story centres on a 79-year-old Parsi widower named Nariman who lives with his step-son and step-daughter. Nariman''s wife died many years before, leaving behind the two children from her first marriage and the daughter, Roxana, they had together. Wanting above all for Roxana not to have to live with him in this ''house of unhappiness'' as he calls it, Nariman spent all his money to give her and her husband, Yezad, a place of their own. Now, beset by Parkinson''s Disease, Nariman tries to endure his family''s protectiveness until he finally defies their wishes and ventures outside. He falls and hurts his ankle and after a brief stay in hospital comes home more needy and cantankerous than ever. His step-children can''t cope and Nariman goes to live with Roxana and Yezad. This sets in motion a series of events which do nothing to assuage growing family conflict and the unravelling of affections. Once again this author has created a beautifully realised world with all too human characters.This novel has all the richness, the compassion and the narrative sweep that have earned Rohinton Mistry the highest of accolades and prizes around the world. It is a stunning achievement.