Arundhati Roy's prize-winning book (Booker prize) was a surprise to me. I put off reading it for quite some time because it seemed too intense, too difficult, too, well, intelectual for me. I am SO grateful to the world of blogging challenges because that's what made me put it on my list.The God of Small Things is the story of young twins Estha and Rahel, growing up in an India of intolerance and a strong insurmountable division between the Touchables and the Untouchables. But it isn't only a story about growing up - it's also a story about the strength of true love and about the lengths that disappointment in love can cause a person to go to. It is a story of unhappiness so deep and complete that it affects everyone around. It is a story of a single mother trying to bring up her two children and not get lost in the process of life. It is the story of trying to save a family from destruction and in the end destroying everything around. A story of injustice and justice and love and hate and pride. And of how children view and digest what goes on around them, not always incorrectly.
But what is amazing about The God of Small Things isn't only related to the story - it is the storytelling that sets this novel apart from others. I have never read anything like it - I just never knew where the language would take me. Arundhati Roy's use of language is incredible - lyrical, magical, surprising, alive. This book is worth reading just to discover it.
Challenges: 888 challenge, 1% Well-Read Challenge, Man Booker Challenge, Orbis Terrarum
9 comments:
If you enjoyed this book , I would recommend The Bone People to you as well. It's a very different book, a Booker winner, and the use of words is also amazing.
Great review, it was a sad story and I loved the way it circled in, around and around, to get to the heart of the story.
This sounds really interesting. I just added it, as well as The Bone People, to my list. Thanks for your review.
Weird, I've had The Bone People mentioned to me so many times in the past few weeks! I guess I'll have to get it!
Great review. This is the second positive review I've read this week. This really needs to go on my tbr list.
Hmm. This is on my list of books to read, but for some reason I keep putting it off.. maybe I'll try it sooner rather than later!
Thanks for this review. I too have been putting it off, but you've got me thinking about it again...
dar, michelle, paula - I hope you enjoy it!
I love this book so much. It's one I always hesitate to recommend because I know it won't appeal to everyone, but I'm always happy to discover another fan :)
I read this when it first came out and thought it sad, but like you, found the language lovely. Very moving and memorable.
The Bone People is also one of those books that I'll never forget. Not pleasant, but gripping. Strange and uncomfortable and, somehow, beautiful.
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