50 pages • 1 hour read
Arundhati RoyThe God of Small Things
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
840L