The God of Small Things
The God of Small Things is the debut novel of Indian writer Arundhati Roy. It is a story about the childhood experiences of fraternal twins whose lives are destroyed by the "Love Laws" that lay down "who should be loved, and how. And how much." The book explores how the small things affect people's behavior and their lives. The book also reflects its irony against casteism, which is a major discrimination that prevails in India. It won the Booker Prize in 1997.
Where The God of Small Things keeps showing up
Eight of our editors' lists feature this novel.
Books in conversation with The God of Small Things
A few of the closest reads from our full list.
What you might want to know about The God of Small Things
The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
In Ayemenem, Kerala, seven-year-old fraternal twins Rahel and Estha live in their grandparents' pickle factory house. The novel circles a single week in 1969 when their English cousin Sophie Mol arrives, and the years afterward in which the twins are kept apart.
Yes. The God of Small Things won the 1997 Booker Prize. Arundhati Roy was the first Indian woman to win the prize. It was her debut novel. She did not publish a second novel for 20 years.
Yes. The God of Small Things uses non-linear chronology, fragmented memory, and lyrical prose with distinctive rhythm. Most readers find the structure rewards patience and re-reading.
The God of Small Things was written by Arundhati Roy, published in 1997 by btb.
The God of Small Things is 154 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, The God of Small Things takes most readers 2 to 3 hours to finish.
The God of Small Things is a standalone novel by Arundhati Roy, not part of a series.
The God of Small Things is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.
