The God Of Small Things Novel By Arundhati Roy
Introduction
The God Of Small Things is a novel written by the Indian author Arundhati Roy. The book was published in 1997 and won the Booker Prize in the same year. The story is set in the state of Kerala, India, and follows the lives of two fraternal twins, Esthappen and Rahel, and their family. The book explores themes of love, loss, caste, and politics in India.
Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy is an Indian author, activist, and political commentator. She was born in Shillong, Meghalaya, India, in 1961. She is best known for her novel The God Of Small Things, which won the Booker Prize in 1997. She has also written several non-fiction books, including The Algebra of Infinite Justice and An Ordinary Person’s Guide to Empire. She is known for her activism on issues such as human rights, the environment, and social justice.
Plot Summary
The God Of Small Things is set in the state of Kerala, India, in the late 1960s. The story follows the lives of two fraternal twins, Esthappen and Rahel, and their family. The novel is divided into chapters that alternate between the present and the past, and between the perspectives of different characters. The story explores the relationships between the characters, their secrets, and the events that lead to a tragic event.
Main Characters
The main characters in the book are Esthappen and Rahel, the fraternal twins. Other characters include their mother Ammu, their uncle Chacko, their grandmother Mammachi, and Chacko's ex-wife Margaret Kochamma. The story also features Velutha, a Dalit (untouchable) who works for Mammachi's family, and who has a secret relationship with Ammu.
Themes
The God Of Small Things explores several themes, including love, loss, caste, politics, and social injustice. The book highlights the impact of the caste system on the lives of the characters, particularly the Dalits. It also explores the effects of British colonialism on India, and the struggle for independence. The novel also looks at the impact of family secrets and the consequences of breaking social norms.
Style and Language
The God Of Small Things is written in a unique style, with a nonlinear narrative and stream-of-consciousness writing. The book also uses a lot of Malayalam, the language of Kerala, and English words are often used in a nonstandard way. The book has been praised for its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the landscape and culture of Kerala.
Reception
The God Of Small Things was a critical and commercial success, and won the Booker Prize in 1997. The book has been translated into several languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into a stage play and a radio drama. The book has been praised for its lyrical prose, vivid descriptions, and exploration of complex themes.
Conclusion
The God Of Small Things is a novel that explores complex themes of love, loss, caste, and politics in India. The book is written in a unique style, with a nonlinear narrative and stream-of-consciousness writing. The book has been a critical and commercial success, and has won several awards. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian literature and culture.