The God of Small Things, a novel written by Arundhati Roy, and published in
1997, vividly and poetically recounts the downfall of a family while
exploring issues regarding politics, race, religion, and class. The ambitious
work is Roy's first novel, and it won the Booker Prize.
The God of Small Things (1997) is a family saga that is considered Postmodernist and Postcolonial. The novel won the Man Booker Prize in 1997, making Arundhati Roy the first female Indian author to win the award.
The novel The God of Small Things is essentially a novel by a woman about women and it has been seen through the eyes of a woman. It is a women-centered novel in the sensibility of pity and fear. It brings out before the readers the state of fair sexes in a specific social milieu.
The God of Small Things is a work of fiction but some critics have tried to find autobiographical parallels in the novel, while at the same, warning against drawing any simplistic connections between the novel and the writer's life.
The main themes of The God of Small Things are love, caste, family, politics, and social norms in Indian society. Narrative structure determines how the plot, characters, and themes are presented to the reader. The author breaks many formal conventions in her use of narration and narrator.
The title "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy signifies the importance of focusing on seemingly insignificant details that hold profound meaning in the intricate web of life.
The novel explores how small, seemingly insignificant occurrences, decisions, and experiences shape people's behavior in deeply significant ways. The novel also explores the lingering effects of casteism in India, lending a culturally specific critique of British colonialism in India.
Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things is about two fraternal twins in India whose lives are dictated by tragedies in their past. Significant themes include family, loyalty, forbidden love, colonialism/post-colonialism, education discrimination, and social class inequality.
God of Small Things- is a story about two children, Esthappen and Rahel. This was Arundhati Roy's debut novel, in which she throws light on certain facets of life in Kerala, highlighting issues of the caste system, Keralite Syrian Christian lifestyle, and communism.
Though The God of Small Things is a work of fiction, Roy took inspiration from her own life when crafting the story. In the book, much of the action takes place in Ayemenem, India, the village where she grew up and saw the archaic caste system firsthand.
WRITING STYLE
Roy, to narrate the novel, uses literary devices like-
defamiliarization, similes & metaphors, repetition of words and phrases,
epigrams and paradoxes, irony, oxymoron, metonymy, synecdoche, pun, saying
versus showing in her writing, and flashback narrative technique.
The God of Small Things is a literary masterpiece by Arundhati Roy that highlights the unconventional style of writing with a gamut of literary techniques employed using the non-sequential narrative and meticulous use of dialect that serves to highlight the differences present between the various social groups.
STORYTELLING”
The God of Small Things therefore alternates
between several narrative layers, both as regards temporality and perspective. However, the analeptic,
proleptic, and elliptic movements that characterize it are by no means limited
to shifts between these temporal levels. Given time sequences zigzag as well.
SOCIAL REALISM
Gender discrimination, untouchability, corrupt
police administration, problems and clashes of culture all are the best
examples of social realism. The theme of the novel is the confrontation between 'The Big Man' and
'The Small Man'. 'The Big Man' stands for lantern and 'The Small Man' stands
for candle.
CRITICAL APPRECIATION ;
In conclusion, "The God of Small Things" is an unforgettable journey of heartbreak, redemption, and the power of the small moments that shape our lives. Arundhati Roy's debut novel is a triumph of storytelling, and its impact on the literary world is undeniable.
“The God of Small Things” is not just a book; it's an experience. Arundhati Roy's storytelling prowess, combined with the novel's compelling characters and exploration of deep-rooted themes, make it a timeless classic. If you're seeking a book that will both enchant and challenge you, look no further.
If you have missed reading it. Here is a chance, CLICK FOR FREE AUDIO BOOK
(This blog post is a part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile"
https://bohemianbibliophile.com/
I have heard of this novel before but never got a chance to read it. Thanks for sharing your review. Will surely add it to my TBR
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blogpost
DeleteAnuradha, your critical analysis of this book shines through as I find it the most beautiful review of The God of Small Things where I got to know so many intricate details. Appreciate your effort to write this analytical book review of this book. - Swarnali Nath (The Blissful Storyteller)
DeleteThanks for stopping by
DeleteYour post is a reminder that I ought to read this now, have kept it on hold for long. I like the way you have explained the major themes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blogpost
DeleteI remember reading the God Of Small Things when it had just won the Booker and being blown away by the mastery of craft that Arundhati Roy has. This is one book one always finds in a bookstore even if we are not in India
ReplyDeleteHappy to know.
DeleteI read "The God of Small Things" when it was nominated for the Booker Prize if my memory serves me well. I am not a student of literature and have not the foggiest idea about literary techniques and words like analectic, proleptic movements, etc, but I loved the book. It brought Kerala alive for someone who has never been there. Good writing is about engaging the reader or being able to put your thoughts through in such a manner that people can understand, which this book did wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteExactly
DeleteYour analysis of Roy's use of literary techniques and the significance of small moments in the story adds depth to the discussion.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blogpost
DeleteI always recommend this book to people who want to understand caste system and politics in southern India. As you said, "This book is not just a book; it's an experience." Thanks for reminding why I fell in love with this book
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by
DeleteI haven't read this book so no idea but your detailed , analytical review is very good. :))
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blogpost
DeleteThe God of Small Things in one of those books which I read under the blanket, below the study books ... hiding from my parents .... They said that time its not my type and for adult readers... That verdict made me even more curious to read it and thus I opted the ways mentioned to read and complete and In short I loved it.
ReplyDeleteHappy to know that you liked it.
DeleteI will suggest this book to everyone interested to delve deep into how the socialisation of Kerala affects the personal, political, and caste segregation and how all of those affect women's life. The narrative style will keep you riveted from page to page, and the story structure does what it means to be. Is it autobiographical? I am not sure, though there are elements that would make one doubt so. The author has made India proud through this book.
ReplyDeleteExactly
DeleteI think I fall in the minority of not finding the charm in the novel. I picked it up ,didnt really capture my attention and I dnfd it. Maybe that's why we all have different reading tastes as writers have different writing styles. I might go for audiobook, maybe. not sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your open feedback
DeleteI bought this book coz it won the prize but I was unable to get into it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, it happens.
DeleteThe book seems to be an impactful read. I appreciate your way of depicting each segment of Your likes and dislikes. I am going to add this book in my tbr list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blogpost
DeleteThe book seems to be a promising read. I appreciate your detailed review especially the way you have depicted the speciality in different segments. I will definitely like to read this one.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, you won't be disappointed.
DeleteI have yet to pick the up book. More so for the hype and the award since all that expectation generally disappoints. Reading your review, I might give it a read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blogpost
Delete