Instruct: Classify Amazon reviews into positive or negative sentiment
Query: In all respects, a terrific work.

_A Fine Balance_ is one of the most cinematic novels I've come across, but in its current state (and this is a compliment), it would make poor fodder for a Hollywood adaptation. While too huge for the screen, the book fits its 700-odd pages wonderfully. Mistry has written a broad story, and has employed an amazing perceptive ability to draw very rich, very real characters. He's also quite instructive: the book teaches about Indian politics, ethnic rivalries, civil corruption, and human resiliance, but it does its work all within the context of the novel's story and people. _A Fine Balance_ was recommended to me, and I've been doing my best to pass the favor onto anyone who'll listen!