A delightful portrait of a middleclass Christian family comprising of parents and their two growing up children, the son being the narrator. At the core is the mentally afflicted mother who has episodes of lucidity alternating with depression and self-destructive tendencies. In her lucid moments she bristles with tongue-in-cheek humour and is uninhibited in her talk about sex to her barely out of teens daughter.
Plot is minimal, like Kafka's Trial and Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea. The main...

This book rightfully deserved the hindu literary award this year.Just finished the book last night. I'm still reeling under its influence. Jerry Pinto takes you on a roller coaster emotional ride. I'm still not able to believe that it's a work of fiction. It involves the reader so much that you empathise with the characters. Unlike books about people with mental illness that are either too self indulgent or self piteous this one's straight from the heart of the protagonist's son and believe m...

Most often, I avoid books by Indian authors because they tend to be too clichéd or very melodramatic. Em and the big hoom pleasantly surprised me. The book was touching and deeply moving. Mr. Pinto beautifully anneals emotions from the first to the last page of this book. I liked the book so much that I have already gifted it to 7 people. A must read. And, it explores so many contestations that we take for granted as given in society

I discovered this book through flipkart recommendations and the title seemed interesting so, I ordered it. It has been a delight since page 1. Dark humour and emotions mixed in just the right proportions, it is a book for all sensitive minds. Don't think twice, go ahead, order it! Also amazing delivery and speed by WS retail.

I bought this book out of curiosity but let me tell you honestly, you're missing out so much if you've not read this book. The story revolves around Em and how the life of her family is nailed to the spot that she is. The language is beautiful and the narration so slick! You can actually feel the kind of effort that has gone into the making of this book :). I could relate to the characters really well and yes, that's it. Beautiful book.
P.S. Special mention to that cover & book designs ! Ing...

So, what makes Em and the Big Hoom a master piece by Jerry Pinto. Is it a pure and 'from the heart' account of a child's experiences or just another piece of fiction written with beautiful words? well, for me, its both. Em and the Big Hoom will take you to a revelation trip, where god, morality, immorality and all such connotations break free from their limitations, though trapped under a story. Narrative has been done beautifully. the characters will stay with you for a long time after you ...

"Love is never enough.Madness is enough. It is complete,sufficient unto itself...... You're a tourist. She is a resident."

An incredibly moving, unusual memoir of a mother's mental illness, written in her son's perspective. It takes you into an alternate world, which struggles to find a balance with the real world. A deep, imaginative, honest and painful picture is coated with some gentle humor here. Yet, such depth is presented with such ease and simplicity by Jerry Pinto.The language is el...

One of the best novels on an individual having bipolar disorder and the consequences on her family. While Jamison's novel-'An Unquiet Mind' was a memoir, almost text-book like, giving descriptions of the varied human mood states, Em and the Big Hoom is pure beautiful fiction, where the real protagonist holds you in awe as much as the brilliant play with words. Pinto has excellently brought out the intricate beauty of language in people with bipolar disorders. This is a wonderful novel and I ...

A brilliantly written book with and incredible feeling of time and space. The portrayal of each character - their emotions, anxieties, joys and the blend of the current and past has been done really well. Flows beautifully, deals with a difficult subject with care and immense truth. Recommend this book highly.

Yes an Indian Writer has as much depth. Em is a enjoyable fable and recommended for serious reading i enjoyed the book as much and surely rcommend a quick read. Jerry Pinto is good in this one