Review

On contemplating this novel's title, the word “matters” can be interpreted as either a noun or a verb.  I became much attached to the characters and felt they all mattered in the end, both individually and as a whole family unit.  When considering the title as a noun, it is easy to explain that the focus of the story is how siblings deal with an aging parent who is suffering from Parkinson's disease.  Nariman, the patriarch of the family has become bedridden after a fall that has left him with a broken ankle. Living in cramped quarters with his daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons is difficult.  Nariman has two other adult step-children who avoid the responsibilities of helping out with care-taking and expenses.  There are also painful memories of past mistakes that haunt Nariman, and as the story unfolds each character is transformed by the choices they make.  

Mistry highlights Indian culture and religion in his story by including Orthodox Zoroastrian practices and rituals in the routines of his characters.  With Indo-nostalgia, Mistry weaves a story full of customs and foods that celebrate daily life as well as special occasions.  When meeting to discuss the novel with friends, we watched a documentary on Zoroastrianism, a religion that dates back to the 5^th century.  It is amazing that they have kept the same temple fire burning all these years!  I will always remember this when lighting a stick of sandalwood incense. Taking inspiration from a quote by Nariman, who refuses to eat his birthday dinner on everyday plates, we enjoyed couscous and curry chicken on the best china. “There's only one way to defeat the sorrow and sadness of life - with laughter and rejoicing. Bring out the good dishes, put on your good clothes, no sense hoarding them. Where is the cut-glass vase and the rose bowl from your wedding? The porcelain shepherdess with her lamb? Bring them all out, Roxana, and enjoy them.” 

 I was surprised to find that in spite of cultural differences there were some family scenes that struck home, proving that we all have some things in common.  There was also reference to the riots of Bombay that took place in December 1992, and the political party Shiv Sena.  I find learning enjoyable while immersed in a fictional story, and this can often lead me to search for more information on things I am not sure about.  When looking up the Shiv Sena to find out more about their radical ways, I discovered that the founder of this group was Bal Keshav Thackeray! I tried to find out if there was a connection anywhere to William Makepeace Thackeray and I discovered that Bal Keshav was a cartoonist in his early career days.  Other than cartooning and the same last name I couldn't find a shared bloodline, but I thought again about the random ways these book selections complemented each other.   The atmospheric tone of this story allowed me to imagine what this exotic country is like and to “armchair travel” across the world.   Mistry's dialect-filled writing style, full of regional language and slang brings the setting to life. I'd recommend this book to those who like religiously diverse characters, who although may be very different have relatable qualities that will allow readers to identify with their emotions and experiences.