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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Arundhati Roy's memoir ‘Mother Mary Comes to Me' to hit shelves on September 2- read these 5 books while you wait
Booker prize-winning writer Arundhati Roy's memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me will hit the stands on September 2, publisher Penguin Random House India (PRHI) announced on Monday. The book, currently available for pre-orders online, unravels Roy's deeply personal experiences of becoming the person and writer she is, 'shaped most profoundly by her complex bond with her extraordinary, singular mother, women's rights activist Mary Roy, whom she ran from at age 18'. While we wait for Roy's highly anticipated memoir to hit shelves, here are five of her books to dive into now. From her Booker Prize-winning debut to her political essays, Roy's work is sure to keep you engrossed in the meantime. Arundhati Roy's Booker Prize-winning debut novel, The God of Small Things, is considered a cornerstone of postcolonial literature. Set in 1960s Kerala, it follows fraternal twins Rahel and Estha, whose lives unravel amid caste oppression and familial hypocrisy. Roy's lyrical prose and non-linear narrative expose the brutality of societal norms, interwoven with themes of love, loss, and forbidden boundaries. The novel's critique of India's caste system and moral rigidity earned global acclaim, translated into 40+ languages. Its vivid imagery—from pickle factories to riverbanks—immerses readers in a world where 'small things' shape destinies. A tragic yet poetic exploration of childhood innocence and adult complicity, the book remains a defining work of contemporary fiction, cementing Roy's place as a literary icon. Two decades after her debut, Roy returned with The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, a sprawling saga of India's marginalised. Longlisted for the Booker, the novel interlaces stories of transgender activist Anjum, Kashmiri rebel Musa, and abandoned baby Tilo, blending magical realism with sharp political commentary. From Delhi's graveyards to restive Kashmir, Roy exposes systemic violence while celebrating resilience. The narrative's fragmented structure mirrors India's fractured identity. Critics praised its audacity, though some found its scope overwhelming. A love letter to the dispossessed, the book reaffirms Roy's mastery of storytelling as both art and activism. This fiery essay collection confronts India's 1998 nuclear tests, globalisation, and authoritarianism. Roy lambasts 'nuclear nationalism' and dam projects displacing millions. Her critique of corporate greed and state violence sparked controversy, branding her a dissident. The book compiles five works, including The Cost of Living and War Talk, with a new introduction. Roy revisits the Gandhi-Ambedkar debate, exposing how caste oppression was sidelined in India's freedom struggle. Contrasting Gandhi's paternalism with Ambedkar's radical egalitarianism, she argues that his Annihilation of Caste remains urgent. The book, originally a preface to Ambedkar's text, dissects Gandhi's views on race and caste, urging a reckoning with his legacy. Scholarly yet accessible, it challenges mainstream narratives, advocating for Ambedkar's vision of social justice. Written during India's anti-CAA protests and Covid-19 lockdowns, Azadi (Urdu for 'freedom') interrogates the alleged rise of fascism. Through nine essays she makes a case for 'dissidence.' The title essay warns against conflating majoritarianism with democracy, while 'The Pandemic is a Portal' imagines post-crisis futures. (With PTI inputs)
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT Archives: Arundhati Roy wins Booker for her debut novel
October 16, 1997 The imposing chandeliered Guildhall full of literati, academicians and well-known faces from the publishing world broke into a polite applause as the five judges announced their unanimous decision awarding the 29th Booker prize (around £21,000), so far, the most prestigious literary award in Britain, to 37-year-old Arundhati Roy from New Delhi for her first novel The God of Small Things. The award to her did not cause any flutter in the hall as she was a hot favourite to win. Bookmakers Ladbrokes refused to take any more bets soon after noon on the 9/4 rated writer while booksellers were unanimously saying that Ms. Roy would easily win . Her closest rivals to start with were Nick Jackson (The Underground Man) and Jim Crace (Quarantine). But in the final discussions she beat the fancied Belfast-born Bernard Mac Lavert (Grace Notes) and Madeliene St. John (The Essence of The Thing). Ms. Roy, wearing a maroon silk sari, was overwhelmed with emotion as people gathered round to congratulate her. She said, 'There is no book which has universal admiration... another set of judges would have chosen another book.' 'There is no such thing as a perfect book. If there had been five different judges there might have been another winner. It is as much luck as worthiness,' she added She averred that she would resist the urge to write a second novel. 'For me this prize is about my past. Having written this. I am back to square one. I do not know whether I will write another.' About the much criticised and controversial Booker prize awards she said. 'Reviews and prizes are somehow for readers more than writer.' Ms Roy has proved Salman Rushdie right. He said during a discussion the night before the award that there are a lot of young writers who do not appear to be promising and one feels that the novel scene is dull, when suddenly a book comes up and the writer is acknowledged as talented. Ms. Roy has established herself firmly by walking away with the prize with her first novel, although voices of disappointments and dissent inevitably follow the judges' verdict almost every year. At least no judge walked out of the meeting as one lady had done two years ago, refusing to endorse the majority choice. The decision this year, one learns, did not take long although naturally two more books on the list were initially discussed. In fact, the final list for consideration was heavily criticised for not including Ian McEwan's Enduring Love. The real reason for disappointment was that there was not a single writer from the London literary scene. A very elated Tarun J. Tejpal of Indiaink, which published Ms. Roy's book, told this correspondent that he was naturally delighted but until the announcement he was sure that the award would go to someone else. 'Every factor was against it.' He explained that there was such a build-up for Ms. Roy's novel in the book world and such an overwhelming consensus for it to win the prize that he expected the judges, who tend to do their own thing, to choose some other writer. He expected them to be somewhat upset at almost being weighed down by the consensus that had built up. It's also the Mother Teresa syndrome of doing good which often guides the judges. They generally decide to promote a new talent which needs promotion. Whereas, Mr Tejpal further added, Ms. Roy's book, despite being a hardback and a serious literary work (released on April 4 this year) had already sold 4,00,000 copies in the first six months. Its commercial success has been bewildering, Mr Tejpal said. A spokesperson of the booksellers. Waterstones, which has sold 300 hardback copies at one of their branches in London since June, agreed that 300 was a large number for a 'literary' book. 'If I was a betting man I would back it,' he said earlier in the evening. Ms. Roy's 350-page book, which took four years to write, started a bidding war in the publishing world and reportedly fetched £1 million for the rights. It has been published in 19 and sold in 30 countries. It is so far the 16th most popular hardback here with 953 copies sold in the last seven days. Its sale is set to pick up now. Judge's panel chair Gillian Beer said after the award, 'With extraordinary linguistic inventiveness, Ms. Roy funnels the history of south India through the eyes of seven-year-old twins. The story is fundamental as well as local. It is about love and death yet tells its tale quite clearly. We were all engrossed by this novel'. There were of course some dissenting notes. One lady critic told this correspondent that she developed such distaste for the book that she was sure the judges would pick it. 'Judges have such extraordinary tastes.' Another critic, Carmen Callil ,who chaired last year's panel, said, 'It has got a vulgarity about it that embarrasses me.' From New Delhi President K. R. Narayanan led the nation in congratulating Arundhati Roy. 'I was delighted to learn that you have been awarded the Booker prize this year. Please accept my hearty congratulations. All of us in India are proud of your achievement,' Mr Narayanan said in a letter to Ms. Roy. 'I feel particularly proud as you hail from my own district of Kottayam,' the President added on a personal note. Prime Minister I. K. Gujral also felicitated Ms. Roy. He said the whole country took pride in this signal honour bestowed upon her. Union Human Resource Development Minister S. R. Bommai also congratulated Ms. Roy. He said the novel indisputably portrays the problems and possibilities that characterize our society today. It was not only an excellent work of art but also an expression of conscience that exposes social ills like discrimination against women and against untouchables by casteist hierarchy, he added. 'This is a moment of celebration not only for writers of India but also for every one of its citizens,' Mr Bommai said, adding that Ms. Roy has added to the glorious achievements of Indian writing.
The Independent
06-02-2025
- The Independent
12 best Indian novels to delve into the country's culture and history
From the cultural splendour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur to the glamour of Bollywood, India is a fascinating place. It's the world's most populous country and there's no better way to learn about its diverse culture and complex history than to read about it. India has a long and distinguished literary record. The country's first written works date as far back as 1500BC and its oral tradition is even older than that. Centuries on, India's literary culture is flourishing – as shown by the impressive number of Indian novelists who have won the Booker Prize over the past 50 years. These include Arundhati Roy, the author of The God of Small Things, Aravind Adiga, who wrote The White Tiger, and Kiran Desai, the author of The Inheritance of Loss. Salman Rushdie, who was born in India but is a British citizen, won the 1981 Booker Prize for Midnight's Children. How we tested We've chosen a mix of classics from years gone by and contemporary novels that portray modern-day life in India. Our main criteria was that the novels should be original, compelling and superbly written – the kind of books that convey the country's distinctive culture in literary form. Some of our choices, such as Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance, shine a light on times of political upheaval, while books like The Year of the Runaways by Sunjeev Sahota, relay the struggles of migrant workers who leave India and cross the world to look for work. In other words, there's something to suit all literary tastes.
Express Tribune
26-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Books to watch out for in 2025
KARACHI/SLOUGH: 'Mother Mary Comes to Me' Arundhati Roy steps into the realm of memoir with Mother Mary Comes to Me, an intimate exploration of love, loss, and legacy. Written in the aftermath of her mother Mary Roy's passing in 2022, the book is expected to offer a deeply personal look at the life of the woman who profoundly shaped Roy's own journey as a writer and activist. Mary Roy, a fearless educator and social reformer, was fictionalised in The God of Small Things, and her influence has long echoed through Roy's work. In this memoir, Roy takes on their complex relationship, the shared history they navigated, and the ways in which grief has redefined her sense of self. Scribner describes the book as "astonishing, often disturbing, and surprisingly funny," promising an honest and evocative narrative that spans Roy's early years in Kerala to her present life in Delhi. Known for her poetic prose and razor-sharp political commentary, Roy brings the same lyrical intensity and emotional depth to this memoir that have made her fiction and essays so compelling. Mother Mary Comes to Me will be released on September 4. 'The Emperor of Gladness' Ocean Vuong's upcoming novel, The Emperor of Gladness, is a poignant meditation on second chances, memory, and the unexpected ways in which human connections can change us. At the heart of the story is Hai, a troubled teenager struggling with deep despair, and Grazina, an elderly widow facing the early stages of dementia. When their paths cross in a moment of crisis, Grazina becomes an unlikely lifeline for Hai, and in turn, he becomes her caregiver. Over the course of a year, their relationship deepens, filled with moments of tenderness, miscommunication, and mutual discovery. Themes of care, identity, and resilience take centre stage in what promises to be one of Vuong's most heartfelt works yet. One of Vuong's strong suits is his melodic writing on grief and healing and this is an expectation readers can have of this upcoming novel. The Emperor of Gladness will be published on May 13. 'Never Flinch' Stephen King returns to the world of Holly Gibney with Never Flinch, a new detective thriller that combines King's knack for psychological tension with his trademark social commentary. This time, Holly finds herself entangled in two urgent cases: one involving a vengeful serial killer who promises to claim thirteen innocent lives and one guilty, and the other centred on a women's rights activist being harassed by a relentless stalker. As Holly juggles both investigations, she's drawn deeper into a web of obsession, justice, and fear. King has never shied away from exploring contemporary issues, and Never Flinch takes on the battleground of reproductive rights, revisiting themes he first touched upon in 1994's Insomnia. With his blend of heart-pounding suspense and rich character development, King is all set to bring a gripping tale of the anxieties of modern America on May 27. 'Katabasis' Following the massive success of Babel, RF Kuang returns with Katabasis, a novel that blends dark academia with mythic adventure. The story follows Alice Law, a brilliant Cambridge scholar of Magick, who embarks on a perilous journey into the depths of Hell to retrieve her late professor. As per Esquire, the book has already been described as "Dante's Inferno meets Susanna Clarke's Piranesi," promising an intoxicating blend of philosophical reflection and immersive world-building. As Alice ventures deeper into the underworld, she must confront both literal and metaphorical demons, uncovering unsettling truths about the nature of power and knowledge. Kuang's meticulous attention to historical and cultural detail, combined with her gift for storytelling, ensures that Katabasis will be a rich, layered experience. The novel's physical release will feature stunning stencilled edges and illustrated endpapers, reflecting the grandeur of the story within. Katabasis will hit shelves on August 26. 'Authority: Essays' In Authority, Andrea Long Chu takes a sharp, often irreverent look at the concept of expertise in an age where everyone claims to have an opinion. Across more than 20 essays - some previously published, others brand new - Chu interrogates the cultural forces that shape authority and influence. Whether analysing the enduring appeal of The Phantom of the Opera or questioning the literary motives behind A Little Life, Chu's writing is incisive, witty, and unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom. Fans of Chu's previous work will find much to admire here, as Authority continues her tradition of blending humour with rigorous critique. Authority: Essays is slated to release on April 8. 'Blob' In Maggie Su's debut novel, Blob, twenty-something Vi Liu is drifting through life when she stumbles upon a mysterious creature with the ability to shape-shift. What starts as a whimsical distraction soon becomes something more complicated, as Vi molds the blob into her ideal boyfriend, confronting deeper questions about her identity and emotional needs. Blending humour with genuine emotional insight, Su's debut is a unique coming-of-age story that speaks to the challenges of modern life and self-acceptance. Blob will be released on January 28. 'The Hallmarked Man' Cormoran Strike fans, this is your year. After a gap of two long years, Robert Galbraith, better known as JK Rowling, will deliver the eighth instalment of the private detective's adventures this September. With an explosive romantic cliffhanger having floored readers in the seventh book (The Running Grave), the stakes are higher than ever as Strike and his partner Robin return to solve their most challenging case yet. As with the Harry Potter books, each Strike addition swells in length, delving deep into his and Robin's psyche until you know them both like the back of your hand. Those who are new to the series have ample time to catch up beginning with book 1, Cuckoo's Calling. A grumpy one-legged private detective, a brainy, beautiful partner who all women will be able to relate to, and the most ingenious murders ever to take place across London and beyond – what more could a reader want? If you want to get truly immersed in fiction, this mixture of crime, humour and the slow-burn will-they-won't-they will keep you hooked, revealing new details upon every re-read. The Hallmarked Man will be released on September 9. 'Great Big Beautiful Life' Chick-lit lovers, this one's for you. Emily Henry is back with a dazzling, sweeping new novel, Great Big Beautiful Life, which sees two writers, Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson, competing for the chance to tell the story of the reclusive tragic heiress, Margeret Ives. Intrigued yet? Naturally, Margaret invites them both to listen to her tale – but craftily only shares small, separate segments of her life. The problem? Thanks to a non-disclosure agreement both Alice and Scott have signed, neither is allowed to share what the other has. Those who have already fallen under Henry's spell will know that whichever trimmings she dresses up her novels with, at the heart lies a simple love story with hilarious rising tension and revelations that will remind you why you fell in love with chick-lit in the first place. For pure escapist entertainment, look no further. Great Big Beautiful Life is scheduled to be released on April 22.
