Rohinton Mistry with his novels such as A Long Journey (1992) and A Fine Balance (1996) has shown the literary world that he is a novelist who believes in representation of life as it really is. Both novels show his excellent understanding of Indian social life. A faithful portrait of the Indian middle class is the high point of Mistry's narratives. His bitterness and disappointment at the government's hostile attitude towards the poor is evident in his novels. A Long Journey (1991) is a great work of art by Rohinton Mistry. The novel heralds the advent of Mistry as a talented Indian writer. The novel is set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. It delves into the human plight encountered by its central character, Gustad Nobel, whose hopes are dashed by circumstances beyond his control. Mistry describes Gustad Nobel as a classical tragic hero. Gustad appears to be completely serene and calm in his approach to life. His sufferings and struggle with fortitude and humility in life remind us of the life and sufferings of the classical tragic hero. The novel has an optimistic note with its hero embarking on a journey that takes him from despair to hope. The novel takes its form from the classical literary tradition. Mistry's narrative reminds readers of the great tradition in which the novelist not only changes the possibilities of art for practitioners and readers, but becomes significant in terms of that human awareness he promotes: awareness of the possibilities of life. We find the elements of comedy, tragedy and satire in the novel. We also find Mistry sharing his thoughts on beliefs, superstitions, supernatural, rituals, nationalistic ideas, humanism, discrimination, secular views and so on... in the middle of a sheet of paper... illusions as stepping stones to success. It is necessary to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair. He paused, considering what he had just said. 'Yes,' he repeated, 'In the end it's all about balance.'” (Mistry, 1996: 214) The characters' struggles to hold on to life hold our attention throughout the novel. Mistry certainly succeeds in depicting a moving tragedy with his strong impulse towards political and social commentary. The novel explores the resilience of the human spirit and the searing heartbreak of futile imaginations. His novels A Long Journey and A Fine Balance can be read for the way they deal with the layers of socio-political irregularities and caste aberrations that generate a world of anarchy. Works Cited Mistry, Rohinton. Such a Long Journey, New York: Vintage Books, 1992 Mistry, Rohinton. A Fine Balance, New Delhi: Rupa and Co. 1996