Summary of Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things

"The God of Small Things," written by Arundhati Roy, is a poignant and intricately woven novel set in Kerala, India. The story alternates between two timelines: the childhood of fraternal twins, Estha and Rahel, in 1969, and their reunion as adults in 1993. The narrative delves into the lives of the twins and their family, particularly focusing on their dysfunctional household and the societal pressures that shape their experiences. Central to the plot is the forbidden love between their mother, Ammu, and Velutha, a lower-caste man, which violates the strict social norms of their community. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of love, loss, social discrimination, and the impact of history and culture on individual lives. The "small things" in life, which often go unnoticed, are highlighted as significant factors that influence the characters' fates. Ultimately, the novel addresses the lasting effects of trauma and the complexity of human relationships, all wrapped in rich, lyrical prose that is characteristic of Roy's style. "The God of Small Things" won the Booker Prize in 1997 and received acclaim for its exploration of deep social issues through personal narratives.