The God of Small Things is a novel by Indian author Arundhati Roy that was published in 1997. The novel tells the story of two young Indian siblings, Rahel and Estha, who grow up in Ayemenem, a small village in the state of Kerala in India. The novel is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and is narrated by an adult Rahel, who looks back on the events of her childhood.
The novel centers on the tumultuous relationship between the siblings, their extended family, and the larger community in Ayemenem. The central theme of the novel is the idea of the "love laws" – the complex and often conflicting social and cultural rules that govern love and relationships in India. The novel explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the ways in which the past can shape and haunt the present.
One of the key events in the novel is the tragic death of Sophie Mol, the daughter of a family friend, who is drowned in the river near Ayemenem. The event has a profound impact on the lives of Rahel and Estha, and serves as a catalyst for the unraveling of their family and the community.
Overall, The God of Small Things is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of family, relationships, and identity in India. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that has received widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including the prestigious Booker Prize.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3G3RIkN
Comments