74 pages • 2 hours read
449
Novel • Fiction
Indian Subcontinent • Contemporary
2017
Adult
18+ years
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy is a novel spanning the 1950s to the 2010s that follows the interconnected lives of Anjum, a Muslim Hijra living in a graveyard, and Tilo, a woman involved in the Kashmir conflict, as they navigate personal and political turmoil in contemporary India. Themes of intersex identity, rape, and violence are central to the narrative.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
44,106 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arundhati Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is praised for its lyrical prose and vivid storytelling, capturing India's socio-political landscape. Critics commend its intricate characters and interwoven narratives but note occasional disjointedness and dense passages. Overall, it’s a poignant, ambitious work that may challenge readers with its complexity.
A reader who would enjoy The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy is likely captivated by intricate narratives that intertwine personal and political struggles. Fans of Roy's The God of Small Things or Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children would appreciate its rich prose, complex characters, and exploration of India's socio-political landscape.
44,106 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
449
Novel • Fiction
Indian Subcontinent • Contemporary
2017
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.