Rohinton Mistry's Such a Long Journey is highly praised for its rich character development and evocative depiction of 1970s Bombay. Critics commend its intricate narrative and historical depth. However, some readers find the pace slow and the plot occasionally meandering, which may detract from the overall engagement. Nonetheless, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking novel.

A reader who enjoys Such a Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry likely appreciates richly detailed narratives set in historical contexts, focusing on the intricacies of family and personal struggles. Fans of Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children or Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things will find its exploration of life in 1970s Bombay equally compelling.

Such a Long Journey, by Canadian-Indian author Rohinton Mistry, follows Gustad Noble, a bank clerk in early 1970s India, as he navigates familial strife, personal longing, and political intrigue amid the backdrop of India's conflict with Pakistan and Indira Gandhi’s corrupt government. Gustad receives a dangerous request from an old friend, Jimmy Bilimoria, now involved in a political scandal, which entangles him further into a web of secrets and confrontations.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Nostalgic / Emotional / Challenging

- Such a Long Journey was awarded the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction in Canada in 1991, solidifying Rohinton Mistry's prominence in literature.
- The book was adapted into a film in 1998 directed by Sturla Gunnarsson, earning international acclaim and several awards.

**Gustad Noble**  
A tall, broad-physiqued protagonist in his fifties, admired for his health, who works at a bank to support his family while being a devout Parsi and acting as a father figure within his community.

**Dilnavaz**  
Gustad's traditional Parsi wife, with a daring pixie haircut, who remains within the home and building, focusing on her family and occasionally engaging in rituals and spells to protect them.

**Sohrab**  
The eldest child of Gustad and Dilnavaz, admitted to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), who represents modern India with his preference for a liberal arts path contrary to his father's wishes.

**Darius**  
Gustad and Dilnavaz's middle child at age 15, embodying a youthful image of his father with shared interests in fitness and representing traditional values moving toward the future.

**Roshan**  
The youngest child who enjoys school and is cherished by her father, associated with themes of vulnerability due to her prolonged illness in the story.

**Tehmul**  
A disabled man in his mid-30s living in Khodadad Building, who, despite his intellectual challenges, shares a special bond with Gustad and is known for both comic relief and innocence.

**Miss Kutpitia**  
An elderly woman in Khodadad Building, known for her knowledge of spells and magical rituals, feared by children and sometimes visited by Dilnavaz for guidance.

**Dinshawji**  
Gustad’s jovial work colleague and friend, known for his humor and loyalty, who is supportive of Gustad’s endeavors and maintains a playful relationship with Roshan.

**Major Jimmy Bilimoria**  
A former neighbor and close friend of Gustad, sharing similar values and regularly practicing prayers together, whose mysterious disappearance strains their friendship.

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