Rohinton Mistry is an Indian-born Canadian writer known for his compelling narratives that explore themes of family life, poverty, discrimination, and the corrupting influence of society. Born in Bombay, India, in 1952, Mistry emigrated to Canada in 1975 where he attended the University of Toronto.
His first novel, Such a Long Journey (1991), brought him national and international recognition, winning the Governor General's Award, the W.H. Smith Award, and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. His subsequent novel, A Fine Balance (1995), won the Giller Prize, the Commonwealth Writers Award, and the Los Angeles Times Book Award. It was also featured in Oprah Winfrey's Book Club and nominated for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
Mistryโs works are deeply rooted in Indian settings and are often told from the perspective of the Parsi community, a reflection of his own heritage. His third novel, Family Matters (2002), continues to explore these themes with depth and sensitivity. Despite facing challenges, such as being detained at airports during promotional tours in the United States, Mistry's dedication to his craft and his exploration of complex cultural and societal issues have cemented his place as a significant figure in contemporary literature.