Tray Bong
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My first attempt at reading this book took me to page 70, then I gave up. The descriptive language and pointless metaphors annoyed me. I also found the book hard to get into because it kept jumping around between past and present.
Unfortunately, I had to try and read the book again because I was studying it in English. I started, again, from the beginning and persisted with Roy's unique style. Once I had re-reached page 70 I realised that I was enjoying the book much more this time around. The mixed up chronology gives each event more significance and realism, and the jumbled order soon becomes easy enough to follow and understand. Every chapter has its own importance and relevance as in any good book, you just don't know it yet. I think that some knowledge of India and Indian Politics, especially Communism, might help people enjoy the book more because it will make some parts easier to understand.
Overall, it is worth the initial struggle needed to get into this book, because when you do you will be rewarded. It is also ironic that Roy's style is the first thing you hate but the last thing you love.
I would like to finish by urging anyone that gave the book a review of 1 or 2 stars to read it again. Of course, you are entitled to your opinion and if you believe this book to be bad then that is fine. However, you are wrong.
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Review of 'The God of Small Things'
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At first, I found this book quite inaccessible, due to the many characters thrown at you within the first few pages, and the way the plot gallops off without you. In fact, I did wonder whether my copy had a few pages missing at the start, and it took me several attempts at reading chapter 1 before I finally started to get into the book. But when I did, it was well worth it.
Roy displays emotions in an equally sensitive and delicate way as nature. Working hard to follow the sections of plot revealed at different points, I think I learnt something of the confusion Rahel and Estha felt, and the efforts they had to make growing up in the midst of a broken family, and a troubled culture. I found the juxtaposition between the un-conventionally structured novel, and the ever present metaphorical boundaries very appropriate.
A mix of the stories of individuals, and those that affect all of us, this book finishes with a concept we can all relate to: tommorow.
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Worth it!
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The fact that `The God of Small Things' has won the Booker Prize would initially make anyone think that the book was probably worth a read.
However Roy's individual writing style can make getting into this book and understanding the concepts and plot challenging. Other reviewers have commented on the difficulty in getting to know the characters and associating with them in the plot that frequently switches between past and present. Initially, after the first few chapters, I would have agreed with them; however if you want to fully appreciate this book it is necessary to look further into the book than merely the words on the page. The childish language and descriptive narrative that many readers have expressed dislike with, I think is entirely necessary in creating the right ambiance in the chapters where Rahel and Estha are children. Additionally, the way in which the plot is told is entirely in keeping with how any real life story is discovered, through snippets of information, and not in a chronological list.
The negative reviews of this book I can sympathise with, but unfortunately I have to say that they will be from reviewers who do not want to delve deeper into the Indian meanings, customs and cultures that Roy includes; and instead want everything laid out for them on a plate... Persevere with this book and you will be rewarded!
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An utterly exceptional novel.
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"...the Secret of the Great Stories is that they have no Secrets." For me, this quotation taken from The God of Small Things sums up Roy's book. The style that the book is written in, to begin with makes it difficult to understand what is going on, and even were the story is going, but persevering with this book is well worth doing.
The language, style and story so effectively portray a family torn apart by the Caste system in India and how tampering with these rules can have such a devastating effect. This novel tells a tragic story, which I believe is only as effective as it is because of the style it is written in. By jumping back and forth from past, present and future, Roy makes the story more atmospheric, the reader knows what is going to happen, yet when it does it makes you stop and consider this in relation to the rest of the novel. The extensive use of imaginative language and narrative somehow seem to separate everyday life and life shaping events. Such passages that describe life shaping events, with their vivid description implant lasting images on your mind. This technique emphasises the poignancy and significance of events in the characters lives, making it even more shocking.
My advice for anybody finding this book difficult, boring or difficult to keep up with, I would definitely say stick with it. I learnt a lot from it, this novel has also affected the way I shall read books in the future. With the need to consider certain passages more critically and how this affects the rest of the book.
An amazing read!
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The power of the Small Things
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The painstakingly accurate way to which Roy breaks the concept of chronology to life, is what gives this book life. The style is a beautiful reflection of how in reality we think about our past. Unlike your typical 'plot driven' novel -which transfers you to the ideal world- The God of Small Things enhances our world.
Roy grasps childhood by the scruff with her reflections on the child's expression of language and awareness to the malleability of language. The novel effectively manages to transport the reader to and from the childhood and adult lives of her protagonists. Always telling you enough; so that you are aware of the importance of the emotions being expressed however, curiously leaving the reader craving for more.
The God of small things is like getting to know someone: You don't hear all their stories in one go, nor do you hear them in any chronology. Stories unfold gradually and are sparked by events that happen in the present. Roy delicately, portrays this reality in The God of Small Things, making it a indispensable novel for any reader.
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