Rating: 
Summary: Unique
Review: "God of Small Things" has a dark, gloomy feel (for those of you who have not read it, this is NOT a "feel good" book), but it does serve to tell the story well. Roy's use of broken sentences and phrases takes some time to get used to, however, this does create a sort of tempo or rhythm that acheives the functionality of description while creating the mood of a child's mind. Having briefly lived in Kerala, I will say that Roy's descriptions are perfect. The content and storyline are very, very controversial in such a conservative society, that criticism MUST be expected, especially from those who are from Kerala. For this reason, I appreciate Roy's courage in such a venture, especially because of the obstruction and backlash she undoubtedly faced. Also, to those readers who think she should have painted a prettier picture of India/Kerala, I really do think her intention was to write a book, not sell an impression of a country!
Rating: 
Summary: Empty vessels make more noise?
Review: I can't say I didn't like the book. But that's about it - it certainly is overrated. Maybe the main reason I liked the book was because of my age - I happen to be the same age as the author. I could identify well with a lot of things that happen in the book in the late 60s and the reactions of the twins to them - they brought back quite a few memories. Roy has a distinct style which appealed to me. She is good at fictionalizing fact and factualizing fiction. Except for her nobody will ever know what is fact and what is fiction. But all this does not make it a great book. Its too stark and overwhelmingly cynical. Too much time is spent in exploring the past and nothing much happens in the present or even in between. The ambiguous relationship between the twins is never explored to its full potential. This is a case of the hype being an overkill and defeating the very purpose its suppose to achieve!
Rating: 
Summary: HORRIBLE BOOK
Review: It was the worst book that I ever read. I disliked it
Rating: 
Summary: Beautifullly drawn landscape but ugly side of life grates.
Review: I am halfway through this highly praised work and cannot help thinking that underneath the enormous talent of Ms Roy there is a fractured and angry soul revulsed by human wickedness.(I understand that the novel is largely based on personal experience).Some situations in the book are brilliantly evoked-like the march of the communist party members-but the underlying narrative remains determined to expose human ugliness and frailty.The writer excels in being dirty with the dirty.This is the modern way.But even the most sophisticated amongst us need to dream and none of her characters allow us to do that.Despite the inventive language and the myriad ploys used in recalling the story,the book essentially fails to filter memories.
Rating:
Summary: Heart-breakingly exhilarating...
Review: Enough has already been said about this book. Needless to say, it transcends any preconceived notions or expectations a reader might entertain regarding novels in general. The incestuous scene toward the end is a master-stroke. No other plot option could have reported the anguish and dysfunctionality of the twins more efficiently. I just hope Roy doesn't write another novel though; she has obviously wrung her own self into this book, and anything following this will probably be painfully forced and stink of greed for more commercial success (which May, or May Not revisit her).
Rating:
Summary: This is a beautifully written, unforgettable novel.
Review: Roy's unique way of writing had me captivated from start to finish. Her characters, and the injustice she shows through them had me thinking, (and still thinking), about the novel long after I finished the last words. Roy is an artist. She is a master of imagery and figurative language. Roy writes like an architect, like one reviewer above said. She constructs the story from the inside out, much like a building is. Throughout the novel, she has you wondering "why?" and "how?", not "what?" and "when?". Some believe some of her scenes, (Velutha and Ammu, & Estha and Rahel), to be "vulgar". But these are the ones that obviously could not comprehend Roy's message to begin with. The last scenes were probably the most beautiful scenes I have ever read in modern, (real modern) literature. The way she developed it so the reader knew of the horrors, and injustice to come, but the characters were unaware, was really heart strangling. This novel is a unforgettable love story/story of family conflicts/story of political conflicts. As it is written on the inside flap, roy tackles all the main themes. I would recommend this novel to anyone with an open mind and an open heart. If you did enjoy this novel, another that deals with injustice, love, and beautiful language and description is Guterson's "Snow Falling On Cedars", another one of my favorite novels. This being Arundhati Roy's first novel, I am anxiously awaited to read any others that she may write.
Rating:
Summary: Highly overrated
Review: Why do so many undeserving books make it to the bestseller lists? The God of Small Things pales in comparison to beautifully written books by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Kiran Desai, etc. I was greatly disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: The only honest review
Review: I guess Im the first honest person to say that this book does NOT deserve the recognition it has received. Why did it get such praise, you ask? Timing, an indian aerobics instructor, flowery falsely substantive writing are the three ingredients. Almost as worthless as danticat, both writers can write but are hardly "talents".
Rating: 
Summary: excellent lyrical prose
Review: this book is excellent not because of the plot nor because of the story. it is excellent, rather, because it is a lyrical masterpiece. the language shimmers with beauty. the entire book is a beautiful, intricate poem. i was slightly disappointed that there was no story per se but the writing was so good that i had to forgive the lack of story. it is an excellent read if you are looking for poetic writing.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing!
Review: So disappointed in Roy's first book. What exactly was the point? -- did she actually think describing in detail the horrendous conditions in India would hold our interest throughout the book. Set the scene but get on with it.
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