Tales from Firozsha Baag

Tales from Firozsha Baag is just that. Eleven stories, separate but interconnected and all concerning residents of Firozsha Baag, a run down middle class apartment complex in Bombay in the 80s. The residents are mostly Parsis, following the Zoroastrian religion, thus the stories involve the fire temple, prayers and practices unique to this community. It was also this authors debut publication, in 1987.

Each of the eleven chapters revolves around a person who lives on one of the three blocks, and the neighbours regularly feature so as each new character is introduced the reader sees them first from another perspective, and then their own. The stories are as varied as the characters - relationship issues, neighbour squabbles, the troubles of a lonely boy, immigrant tales, etc. The characters are well painted and interesting, and often set up a strong contrast to each other. Rustomji -the-curmudgeon, Dr Mody & Nariman Hansotia, Najami & Kashmira, Jehangir & Kersi.

Most of the eleven stories I found very good, there were a few which went on a bit long, but on the whole pretty enjoyable. There are more than likely autobiographical strains running through these stories with the author being Parsi, and also an emigrant to Canada. The final chapter makes the reader wonder all the more about character's parallels with Mistry himself.

3.5 stars rounded down.