A review by amandahjy
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

challenging dark funny mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Written from the perspective of a pair of 7-8 year old "two egg twins" as they make sense of complex events that take place in their nation and personal lives, so the language can be quite sing songy and humorous at times (I didn't particularly enjoy this). But the book occasionally segments into this beautiful poetry and commentary on post colonialism in India, race, the caste system and the commodification of local culture for tourism.

Pacing of the novel is slow, and the storyline can get quite confusing, as it constantly jumps from when the twins were young children to adults. But I really enjoyed the last third of the book, when the story picks up and we find out what happens to Sophie Mol. 

(Also, the author seems to have an unhealthy obsession with "balls," which I don't get 😅)
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