"The God of Small Things": A Review

By Sophie Cooper

"The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy weaves together a tapestry of emotions, politics, and societal norms against the backdrop of post-colonial India. Roy first immerses readers in the lush, atmospheric setting of Ayemenem, where the laws of caste and society dictate the lives of its inhabitants. One of the novel's strengths lies in its wild and evocative prose. "Small" moments capture the essence of small moments and infuse them with profound significance. She writes, "The secret of the Great Stories is that they have no secrets. The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again. The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably. They don’t deceive you with thrills and trick endings. They don’t surprise you with the unforeseen. They are as familiar as the house you live in. Or the smell of your lover’s skin."

The characters in "The God of Small Things" are deeply human, flawed, and relatable. The novel's central characters, Estha and Rahel, navigate a world filled with societal expectations, family secrets, and forbidden love. Through their eyes, Roy explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of traumatic events.

"The God of Small Things" is not merely a story; it's a commentary on the social and political landscape of India. Roy addresses issues of caste, discrimination, and the legacy of British colonialism, weaving them seamlessly into the fabric of the narrative. Her keen observations and sharp critique of societal norms make the novel a thought-provoking and impactful read. As the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the weight of societal expectations, readers are taken on a poignant journey that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on the literary landscape.