The God of Small Things

This 1997 Booker Prize winner by Arundhati Roy has been on my "to read" list for years, and I finally got around to it, thanks to my daughter's book club. What a wonderful book!

Spanning the years between 1969 and 1992, it describes the lives of "two-egg twins" Rahel and Estha, who grow up in a small village in southern India, and the tragic events that change their lives forever. The story is told in a non-linear manner, moving back and forth in time, and constantly hinting at the life-changing events to come. I generally find this annoying in a book, but here it works perfectly. Roy's use of language is unique and wonderful, with images that stay in your mind long after you close the book. She captures beautifully the point of view and impressions of children trying to understand the adults who are in charge of their world. For the intelligent reader who enjoys a multi-layered story with complex characters, great writing and keen insight into human nature, The God of Small Things is a rewarding book. My only caveat: It's very, very sad.