Rohinton Mistry

Date of Birth: July 3, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Rohinton Mistry is a celebrated Indian-born Canadian writer, known for his rich narratives and vivid portrayal of Indian society. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Mistry moved to Canada in 1975, where he pursued higher education and later became a significant literary figure. He began his career as a writer in the early 1980s, initially publishing short stories that garnered critical acclaim. His first collection of short stories, “Tales from Firozsha Baag,” was published in 1987 and received widespread praise. Mistry’s novels have consistently earned him critical and popular acclaim. His debut novel, “Such a Long Journey” (1991), won the Governor General’s Award for English-language fiction and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. His second novel, “A Fine Balance” (1995), is often considered his masterpiece, winning multiple awards and being shortlisted for the Booker Prize as well. His third novel, “Family Matters” (2002), continued his exploration of complex social and familial themes. Mistry’s works are known for their detailed and empathetic portrayal of everyday life in India, particularly focusing on the Parsi community. He has been praised for his storytelling skills, depth of characterization, and the ability to weave historical and political contexts into his narratives.

5 Interesting Facts about Rohinton Mistry

1. Rohinton Mistry moved to Canada in 1975 with his wife, Freny Elavia, initially to study at the University of Toronto.

2. Mistry worked as a bank clerk before embarking on his writing career.

3. “A Fine Balance” was not only shortlisted for the Booker Prize but also won the Giller Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.

4. Mistry’s work often delves into the lives of the Parsi community, a minority group in India with a rich cultural heritage.

5. Despite his critical and commercial success, Mistry has maintained a relatively private life, rarely making public appearances or giving interviews.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rohinton Mistry

1. “The human face has limited space. If you fill it with laughter there will be no room for crying.”

2. “But rest assured: This is not a story about death, but about life, and its many ironies.”

3. “Flirting with madness was one thing; when madness started flirting back, it was time to call the whole thing off.”

4. “You have to use your failures as stepping stones to success. You have to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair.”

5. “Dreams have a way of turning into nightmares when I don’t sleep properly.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Rohinton Mistry’s highest net worth has been estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Rohinton Mistry and his wife, Freny, have two children. However, they have kept their family life private, and not much public information is available about their children.