Aline de Araujo

I decided to read Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' during a travel through India, and it was an incredibly immersive experience. As a Brazilian, I was struck by the unexpected similarities between our cultures, despite their apparent differences. Roy's exploration of British colonial influence, domestic violence, the rigid caste system, and the devastating impact of unspoken family secrets resonated deeply. These themes, and the way that they impacted the children's lives, and how they were unable to break free from the cycle, but instead, were drowned by it, were very powerfull.

What truly distinguishes this novel is its ability to draw you into the story as if it were your own. While my personal experiences may differ from the characters', I felt a profound empathy for their emotions. The beautifully crafted prose, even in the Brazilian Portuguese translation I read, is truly remarkable.

This is what great literature does: It creates a sense of universality, making you feel the emotions of the characters as if they were your own. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a powerful and moving literary experience.