Last year, I got the book titled “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy as a birthday gift from a special friend of mine. This book, which won the Booker Prize in 1997—the same year I was born—had been on my mind for years, yet I had always avoided reading it. I had heard about its significance as a modern classic, but I hadn’t picked it up until now.
On my recent birthday, the friend who gifted me this book reminded me. “Have you read it yet?” she asked. I admitted that I hadn’t, but her enthusiasm reignited my interest. I was excited to finally dive into the novel. I sat down to read, and after just three chapters, I found myself struggling with the nonlinear narrative. I felt a bit lost and overwhelmed, unsure of what was happening in the story.
Determined not to give up, I decided to start over from the beginning. This time, I approached it with an open mind. As I dove deeper into the narrative, I began to appreciate the beauty of Roy’s prose and the intricacies of the plot. With a bit of attention, I found it easier to navigate the different timelines, and I was quickly swept away by the emotional depth of the story.
The novel proved to be a fast read, and I was captivated by its exploration of love—between siblings, parents children, and lovers—as well as the harsh realities of caste discrimination. The heartbreak of loss, separation, and injustice resonated deeply with me. The characters felt real, their struggles palpable, and the writing was nothing short of masterful. I realized that my initial concerns were unfounded; the novel was not pretentious at all. Instead, it was a beautifully crafted tale that made me feel a wide range of emotions.
Reflecting on my journey with The God of Small Things, I am grateful for the nudge from my friend. It reminded me that sometimes we just need a little encouragement to explore something special. If you, too, have been considering reading this novel, I encourage you to take the plunge. You might just find a story that resonates with you as deeply as it did with me. After all, this book, which won the Booker Prize in the same year I was born, is a testament to the power of storytelling and the small things that shape our lives.