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340
Novel • Fiction
Kerala, India • 1960s
1997
Adult
18+ years
840L
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
321,151 ratings
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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.
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.
321,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Esthappen Ipe
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.
Ammu
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.
Velutha Paapen
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.
340
Novel • Fiction
Kerala, India • 1960s
1997
Adult
18+ years
840L
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