The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
This novel is a poignant tale of fraternal twins, a boy and a girl, who navigate through their childhood in Kerala, India, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and societal norms. The story, set in 1969, explores the complexities of their family's history and the tragic events that shape their lives. Their mother's transgression of caste and societal norms by having an affair with an untouchable leads to disastrous consequences, revealing the oppressive nature of the caste system and the destructive power of forbidden love. The novel also delves into themes of postcolonial identity, gender roles, and the lingering effects of trauma.
The 359th greatest book of all time
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Total Points: 945
This book was first published in 1997
37 Lists
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- score: 64 -- Top 100 World Literature Titles - 2017 (Weight: 120)
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- score: 1 -- The Big Jubilee Read - 2022 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- The Indian Fiction Top 25 - 2005 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- 50 Best-Loved Novels Written by a Woman (United Kingdom) - 2003 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- Elena Ferrante Names her 40 Favourite Books by Female Authors - 2020 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- 60 Essential English-Language Works of Modern Indian Literature - 2010 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- 100 Great 20th Century English-language Works of Fiction by Women - 1998 (Weight: 1)