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Literary Fiction· India

The God of Small Things

by Arundhati Roy
Aggregate Editorial Score100/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Published 1997English
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About This Book

Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things (1997) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Twin siblings Rahel and Estha come of age in Kerala amid the rigid social hierarchies of India's caste system, leading to a forbidden love and tragedy. Roy's Booker Prize-winning debut is told in lush, nonlinear prose that circles around the 'Love Laws'—the rules that dictate who should be loved, and how, and how much. Themes of caste, forbidden love, India run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1997 and Booker Prize 1997.

Book Details

AuthorArundhati Roy
Published1997
Country of Origin🇮🇳 India
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780812979657
Editorial Score100/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇮🇳 India

This book is part of India's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from India →

Editorial Assessment

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1997 in India, it engages with caste, forbidden love, India, childhood in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 1997; Booker Prize 1997; ALA Notable Books 1997. With an editorial score of 100/100 drawn from 4 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes The God of Small Things is how it handles its central concerns — caste, forbidden love, India, childhood — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The God of Small Things reflects Arundhati Roy's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with India's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 4 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
199771
Booker Prize
winner · global
199771
ALA Notable Books
notable · national
199712
Kirkus Reviews
notable · global
19979
✍️
About the Author
Arundhati Roy
India
View Author →

Arundhati Roy is a celebrated author from India known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The God of Small Things about?

Twin siblings Rahel and Estha come of age in Kerala amid the rigid social hierarchies of India's caste system, leading to a forbidden love and tragedy. Roy's Booker Prize-winning debut is told in lush, nonlinear prose that circles around the 'Love Laws'—the rules that dictate who should be loved, and how, and how much.

Who wrote The God of Small Things?

The God of Small Things was written by Arundhati Roy, from India. First published in 1997.

What awards has The God of Small Things won?

The God of Small Things has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 1997; Booker Prize 1997; ALA Notable Books 1997; Kirkus Reviews 1997.

Is The God of Small Things worth reading?

The God of Small Things is one of the most critically acclaimed books ever written, with an aggregate editorial score of 100/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 4 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in caste, forbidden love, India.

Where can I buy The God of Small Things?

You can buy The God of Small Things on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The God of Small Things?

The God of Small Things is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The God of Small Things from?

The God of Small Things originates from India's literary tradition. Explore more books from India on our country page.

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