3 Review(s)

The God of Small Things : A Saga of Lost Dreams is an attempt to make an in-depth study of Arundhati Roy’s epoch making novel which has brought laurels to her and the country at large. To begin with, an effort is made to have a close look at the main theme of the novel. This is followed by an analysis of the main characters who have their own story to tell. The novel is also considered as a critique of the contemporary society. Essays on the structure of the novel and the narrative technique adopted follow and the significance of the title is also discussed in a separate chapter. The Epilogue considers the autobiographical elements in the novel. The title of the book becomes significant as all the characters, both major and minor have shattered dreams. Even Ayemenem and Ayemenem house have lost their old glory and in a certain sense have lost their dreams. Rev. John Ipe’s father is the oldest member of the Ayemenem family who makes his appearance in the novel. Then we have John Ipe himself and his wife Aleyooty Ammachi both disappointed for one reason or the other. Baby Kochamma, Pappachi, Mammachi, Chacko, Margaret Kochamma, Ammu, Estha, Rahel, Sophie Mol, Velutha, Vellya Paapen have all a similar kind of existence in the novel. The book, it is hoped, will be of immense help to the students who pursue research on Roy and, of course, to the academic community at large.