The God of Small Things | Arundhati Roy | A Review
The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy A Review
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy-A Review
“The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy is a beautifully haunting and emotionally evocative novel that weaves together a tapestry of love, loss, and societal constraints. Set against the lush backdrop of Kerala, India, Roy’s debut work is a literary masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of breaking societal norms.
Roy’s poetic prose immediately captivates readers, drawing them into the world of the fraternal twins, Estha and Rahel, whose lives are irrevocably shaped by the events of one fateful summer: “The sky was thick with TV. So many lives, weaving into one another. Even people you hate. If you sat down and think about it, you could lose yourself. You could melt into it.”
The novel’s narrative effortlessly shifts between past and present, unraveling the story of the twins’ childhood and their adult lives. Roy’s storytelling prowess creates a sense of timelessness, making the memories and emotions vivid and palpable: “In those early amorphous years when memory had only just begun, when life was full of Beginnings and no Ends, and Everything was Forever, Esthappen and Rahel thought of themselves together as Me, and separately, individually, as We or Us.”
At its core, “The God of Small Things” is a poignant exploration of forbidden love and the consequences of societal taboos. The novel’s portrayal of the forbidden romance between Estha and Rahel’s mother, Ammu, and the “Untouchable” Velutha is a powerful commentary on the oppressive caste system in India: “It didn’t matter that the story had begun, because kathakali discovered long ago that the secret of the Great Stories is that they have no secrets. The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again. The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably. They don’t deceive you with thrills and trick endings.”
Roy’s rich character development adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Each character’s complexities and contradictions are expertly portrayed, making them relatable and human: “It’s just that when you’re five, there’s a picture you have in your mind of your family. And when you get older, the five-year-old picture gets smaller and smaller and you have to make a new one.”
The novel’s exploration of childhood innocence and the loss of it over time is heartrending. The tragic events that unfold reveal the harsh realities of life and the impact they leave on young souls: “Anything can happen to anyone. And it’s best to be prepared. Better to be prepared.”
Critics might argue that the non-linear narrative and intricate web of characters can be challenging to follow. However, it is precisely these elements that add depth and richness to the storytelling, making “The God of Small Things” a work of literary brilliance.
In conclusion, “The God of Small Things” is a deeply moving and emotionally charged novel that leaves an indelible mark on readers’ hearts. Arundhati Roy’s exquisite prose, vivid storytelling, and profound exploration of human emotions make this book a timeless and unforgettable reading experience. It is a powerful reminder of the impact of small moments and decisions in shaping the course of our lives. 0 0 0.
The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy A Review
N.B. The article ‘The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy A Review’ originally belongs to the book ‘Reviews of Selected Motivational Books‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
- World Short Story Criticism
- World Poetry Criticism
- World Drama Criticism
- World Novel Criticism
- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
- Emily Dickinson’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Walt Whitman’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works
- Reviews of Charles Dickens’ Works
- Reviews of John Milton’s Literary Works
- Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues
- Shakespeare’s Sonnets-Critical Studies
- Analytical Studies of Selected Poems of Sarojini Naidu
- Analytical Studies of Selected Poems of Rabindranath Tagore
- Analytical Studies of Selected Indian English Poems
- Reviews of Selected Motivational Books …
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