The God of Small Things

by Arundhati Roy
The God of Small Things cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 78
  • Added: 2025-08-30
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9789351184409
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2017-06-13
  • Formats: 37
  • Reviews: 4

The God of Small Things delves into the lives of the Rahel and Estha, twins growing up in the small town of Ayemenem. The story unfolds against the backdrop of political and social upheavals, revealing the deep-seated 'Love Laws' that dictate who can love whom and how much. The narrative weaves together personal and historical events, creating a rich tapestry of human emotions and societal norms. /n/n The novel is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, forbidden love, and the consequences of defying societal expectations. It is a story that resonates with the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.

Reviews
Sania Writes · Sania Ansari · 2025-10-13
insightful 4.50

The novel is praised for its perfect blend of satire, drama, and politics, offering a critical yet engaging look at Indian society. The reviewer finds it unapologetic and insightful.

Sania Ansari commends 'The God of Small Things' for its masterful blend of satire, drama, and politics. They find the novel to be unapologetic in its portrayal of Indian society, shedding light on various facets that are often overlooked. The reviewer appreciates the way Roy weaves together different elements to create a compelling narrative that is both critical and engaging. They believe the book's strength lies in its ability to challenge readers and provoke thought about societal issues.

Quick quotes

    The novel is a perfect blend of satire, drama, and politics.

    It sheds light on the various facets of Indian society in an unapologetic way.

    The book's strength lies in its ability to challenge readers and provoke thought.

thestudentnews.co.uk · 2025-01-30
poignant 4.50

The novel is highly recommended for its poignant depiction of intertwined themes of love and loss, presenting a tragic yet beautiful narrative.

This reviewer highlights the novel's ability to weave a deeply moving tale where love and loss are inseparably linked, creating a story that is both tragic and beautiful. They recommend it enthusiastically, noting the emotional depth and the powerful portrayal of the characters' traumas and relationships. The book's exploration of human emotions and societal constraints resonates strongly, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I would highly recommend The God of Small Things.

    A beautiful depiction of a tragic tale, where love and loss seem always intertwined.

    Love and loss seem always intertwined.

DLI Review · 2024-04-30
entertaining 4.50

The book is entertaining and a truly worthy winner of the Booker Prize. It tests one's ability to comprehend and engage with its complex themes.

This book is not only entertaining but also a truly worthy winner of the Booker Prize. It's a challenging read that tests one's ability to comprehend and engage with its complex themes. The narrative is rich and layered, offering a deep dive into the intricacies of Indian society. It's a book that rewards careful reading and reflection.

Quick quotes

    However, it's entertaining and, in my opinion, a truly worthy winner of the Booker Prize.

    The book truly tests one's ability to comprehend.

    The narrative is rich and layered, offering a deep dive into the intricacies of Indian society.

Kiran Dellimore · 2024-04-06
challenging 4.75

The book is highly recommended for its challenging and thought-provoking content, pushing readers out of their comfort zones. The reviewer finds it a worthwhile and engaging read.

The reviewer highly recommends 'The God of Small Things' for its ability to challenge and push readers out of their comfort zones. They find the book to be a worthwhile read that engages with important themes and messages. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and complexity, noting that it requires active engagement from the reader. They believe the book's impact lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke deep thought, making it a memorable and significant piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you are open to being challenged and pushed a bit outside of your comfort zone.

    The book truly tests one's ability to comprehend.

    It is a truly worthy winner of the Booker Prize.

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