REVIEWS
Book Review
— Angat Desai
Spatial Imagination in Search of Dignity: Review of The God of Small Things by Arundathi Roy
Encapsulated in an unfamiliar world to a Western audience, packed with wild gardens, plump golden mangoes, abundant river streams, and colonial architecture, the reader is treated to stunning imagery of Southern India by Arundathi Roy’s complex and spherical narrative in The God of Small Things. This fictional story, set between the years of 1969 and 1993, revolves around the reunion of fraternal twins, Rahel and Estha, separated by hardship surrounding “Love Laws” which act as a chaotic force incited by political unrest and the cruelties of India’s caste system which continue to persist till this day. In turn, the author is unapologetic in expressing her views on India’s mass industrialization policy, which has caused local ecological systems to collapse. The novel draws parallels between social injustices and environmental destruction, tracing the beginning of these processes from small and beautiful things that unknowingly unravel into chaos. The reader is led through a series of moments as the characters navigate themes of love, tradition, and tragedy, reflecting upon our role in knowing that all-living beings intrinsically deserve self-worth in places they occupy.
Roy’s stylistic approach breaks free from the traditional hierarchy of storytelling as memories flow organically in non-chronological sequence to build upon the character’s identity. Caught between old memories and current times, the story is told from the perspective of a young Rahel, who navigates internal battles with her multi-generational family in search of a haven from tragic events surrounding forbidden love and cultural norms. The innocence of a child gradually deteriorates as Rahel and Estha encounter instances of systemic injustice, manifesting from India’s brutal caste system. Underscoring the imagination and innocence of children through seemingly small objects and moments, Roy foreshadows how these can unexpectedly unfold into larger catastrophic events in life.
The God of Small Things uncovers the historical roots and political nuances of India’s detrimental treatment of Untouchables by illustrating their experiences and sufferings. Although the government banned discrimination based on caste in 1950, inequity continues to be entrenched in modern India’s political and social system, resulting in the marginalization of people from the lower castes. Roy examines the cultural attitude towards Untouchables, and the consequences for those who preserve these traditional norms that lead to the outcasting of people in lower castes. However, their resistance to change is met with human defiance against a binding system that keeps people separated based on class structures and caste rankings.
The livelihood of Untouchables is heavily intertwined with their environmental vulnerability and social mistreatment in which the marginalized are increasingly exposed to the severity of natural disasters. Historically, the Untouchables were subjugated by upper caste communities to inhospitable living environments and demeaning working conditions solely based on their social rankings in the caste system. In the current context of 21st century India, Untouchables continue to be placed under greater strains of unstable housing and menial tasks—such as trash scavenging, where these communities are less likely to survive, withstand, and recover from the fatal impacts of climate change. These communities deserve dignified and healthy environments that elevate diverse experiences in breaking cultural boundaries, contributing to economic security and preserving nature for future generations.
People are inherently drawn towards the aesthetics of nature, resulting in the consumption and exploitation of the wildlands in pursuit of economic profit based on natural resources. Roy’s search for beauty within the environment uses sensory cues to evoke dignity in all living beings. The author’s passion for nature is made abundantly clear in her description of the River Meenachal where the condition of this waterbody has severely deteriorated due to pollution and human negligence. Such experiences, both from the past and present, convey a desire to return nature to its pristine form, embracing a cohabitation among all beings sharing the land. The reader is exposed to a better appreciation for the land from Roy’s vivid description; Rahel and Estha’s homeland reveals how unjust systems continue to exploit the environment and disrupt people’s relationship with nature.
Unbelievably heartfelt and charismatic, Roy delivers a Booker Prize (1997) winning novel that sheds light on India’s malicious power structures responsible for oppressing the voice of Untouchables, natural systems and all beings deemed unworthy. A compelling story, the unique descriptive style bound by multi-layered characters and beautiful objects reveals an undiscovered way of knowing and being. It stimulates the senses, reinforcing one’s compassion for the unfairly treated by corrupt systems that are deeply entrenched in a modern society.
Angat Desai is a landscape designer interested in land art, low impact design strategies and adaptable spaces at the human scale. He resides in Calgary and volunteers with FOLD and d.talks.
Request a copy of The God of Small Things from your local bookstore using the ISBN # 978-0812979657. You can also find it at your Public Library.