Rating: 
Summary: Linguistic gymnastics!
Review: Ms Roy has definitely succeeded in, very cleverly portraying the essence of life, where we so easily "travel" over the small things. In the end it is the little things in life, which influences us, as in this case...., was this the reason for Estha's silence? Was it not the "little" things that changed everything and in everyday life the small things are the allegories of our existensialism, which we wish to ignore. A question I have, was Estha's existence real or was it and imaginery twin in Rahel's mind, her male side, being ignored by most? A side which she wished to "send" away and eventually "recovered" with her return in Ayemenem. After 25 years.???? Ms Roy's way of artistically "painting" with words, is incredible, take the way she describes a shadow, of all this to me reminded me so much of my own childhood, where shadows looks like an entrance to another world. She describes it as a specific shape hole in the universe ..... excellent. Without pertinently being religous ms Roy also touched the essence of Christianity. May we take this and make this part of our everyday life to concentrate on the "small things", not only for yourself but for those around you. Take the "small things" change them to the positive and the people around you will thank you forever.Is'nt this what made Rahel come back, are'nt these the things that made Ammu fall in love with Velutha, small moments, .... but the small that carries you through the day ... the life.... Thank you for people like Arundhati Roy who can creatively schetch life, and share it with us all, in such a manner that we want to read and reread every bit.
Rating: 
Summary: You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll vomit
Review: This book is indeed spellbinding. I wouldn't call it beautiful but I would call it real. Real as in real life, which for many many people on this planet really sucks. Parts of the book may turn your stomach but Roy should be congratulated for not telling this story through rose colored glasses. This book will make you think and is a great cross-cultural study. The writing style may be hard for some to follow (hypnotic for some, confusing to others) but the metaphor is some of the most powerful I've read. This book is worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: A Book that is Worth Reading...
Review: This book was definitely worth reading. The prose was beautiful that it was almost poetic. Though it was kind of slow in the beginning and a bit complex, the story becomes riveting as it progresses. A great novel to read.
Rating:
Summary: spellbinding!
Review: reminiscient of Earl Lovelace's work in it's masterful commamnd of imagery and metaphor and its intimately woven tapestry of landscape and culture. The delving into the inner sanctum of a child's mind was indeed moving and left one with the feeling of being wrapped up in a marvellous dream that you would never want to wake up from.A must read for any one that enjoys a beautifully intricate novel.
Rating:
Summary: beautifully written
Review: What strikes one immediately about this book is the elegance and beauty of the metaphor-ridden prose. The author has obvious talent and sensitivity, both qualities of which are made obvious in her incisive insights into human minds and interpersonal relationships that transgress society's bounds. Her skill with the English language is quite manifest, and the quality of her writing exudes great personal warmth and emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading her restrained yet meaningful prose, which expresses much with surprising economy. her use of powerful imagery is quite memorable and her invectives against society are brilliantly blended with ironic humour and elegant poise. Apart from some faults here and there this novel is, I believe, quite unimpeachable. For a first novel it is quite an amazing feat, and if Ms. Roy continues as she should, her work will only improve with time and experience.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely Stomach Wrenching and Insipid
Review: The style of this writing is uncreative and nearly drives the reader to insanity. Roy tries to pull off some sort of Pulp Fiction plot with the time frame jumping all over the place and making the novel difficult to want to follow. Her attempt to replicate the thought patterns of children is childish and a dismal failure in itself. I've never been more dissatisfied with a book.
Rating:
Summary: a wonderful break from boring novels
Review: The author does a fabulous job of telling a story about a culture very different from our own. I loved how the pieces of the story came together as she jumped around in time. I would highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing...
Review: This book opened my mind and changed my life. I applaud Arundhati for so casually expressing the difficulties of Indian (untouchable) life. It propulses the struggle to the forefront!!! It is the best book I have EVER read. Aaron Sullivan, Washington,D.C.
Rating: 
Summary: A First Novel -Too much too soon?
Review: Roy certainly knows how to write elegantly, and the opening pages of the book are certainly full of promise. However later in the book, phrase after phrase echoes the same metaphors, and while this may be "hypnotic" for some, I found it made me fall asleep. Also, there's no prizes for guessing the ending. But these should not be looked upon as flaws per se, but as the hallmarks of an inexperienced novelist. Its a pity Roy has given up writing, as it was only her first novel, and I think she knows this work is not Booker material. I feel it is a tragedy for someone with obviously so much talent to be put in such an unenviable situation. Indeed sometimes winning is losing. Yes, it could've been a great book, if it had been her third or fourth.Giving the Booker to such a fledgling novelist was an act bordering on malice, as it forced her to be judged alongside veterans such as Carey and other big name winners. These players have had many novels published, some certainly lesser works than "The God of Small Things." We may see another work from her in the future, but somehow I doubt it!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: Beautiful and creative story telling. Sophisticated style which slowly but vividly depicts the essence of the Indian culture, in all its complexities, through the eyes of two kids.
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