A review by astridrv
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
What a complicated and impactful book. First of all, I adore the writing. Heads over heels with the way Arundhati Roy describes atmosphere, places, people, gazes, interactions, and all the tiniest details of the world is so vivid, refreshing, and colorful. I was there, I felt some sentences go straight to my heart. She also writes stunningly about childhood and brotherhood. As for the story: it meanders through different periods of time, mainly between a present family reunion and a traumatic series of events from the past. The end unfolds really well in pacing, after the many detours taken earlier on. I am not sure I understood everything, and this book certainly isn't for everyone. But the thing is, when you write this well, you can take me anywhere and I will follow. I look forward to rereading this.
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, and Child abuse
Minor: Incest