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The God of Small Things

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997

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Book Brief

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Arundhati Roy

The God of Small Things

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

340

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kerala, India • 1960s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, published in 1997, is set in Ayemenem, Kerala and unfolds the relationship between fraternal twins Rahel and Estha Ipe. The narrative alternates between their childhood in 1969, when they are involved in their cousin Sophie's accidental drowning, and their reunion as emotionally scarred adults over 25 years later, capturing family and societal tensions. Sensitive topics include abuse and tragic deaths.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

321,151 ratings

71%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things dazzles with its rich prose and intricate narrative, capturing the essence of Kerala's lush landscape and complex social dynamics. Praised for its evocative language and emotional depth, the novel's non-linear structure can be challenging for some readers. Despite this, it remains a vivid exploration of human relationships and societal constraints.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The God of Small Things?

A reader captivated by rich prose, intricate family dynamics, and the socio-political landscape of India would enjoy Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things. Fans of Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake will appreciate Roy's deft storytelling and vibrant depiction of cultural nuances.

4.1

321,151 ratings

71%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Rahel Ipe

A fraternal twin with a lively and vibrant personality, known for her flamboyant style and deep bond with her brother Estha, with whom she shares a unique and silent understanding. Her childhood curiosity and independence mark her as a resistant spirit within her traditional Indian family.

Rahel's twin brother, initially a lively child with bold energy, who faces traumatic experiences that fundamentally alter his outlook on life. As an adult, he becomes reserved and introspective, carrying the weight of past events.

The mother of Rahel and Estha, she is a strong-willed and passionate woman navigating the constraints of conservative Indian society. Her life is marked by struggles and defiance against societal and familial expectations.

An amiable and skilled handyman for the family’s factory, characterized by his warmth and gentle nature, who forms a special bond with the Ipe family children. He is a Paravan, a marginalized class, yet stands out for his kindness and humanity.

Book Details
Pages

340

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kerala, India • 1960s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

840L

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