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Cover of The God of Small Things

Literary

The God of Small Things

by Arundhati Roy

3.8 out of 5, from 420 ratings from Hardcover readers

In Kerala, a pair of twins grows up in a family riven by caste, class and old resentments. A visit from a cousin in 1969 sets in motion events that will mark them for life.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1997
Pace
Slow
Length
Medium
Pages
344
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you like richly worded novels that circle around a tragedy and make the small details feel enormous.

Skip this if you want a linear plot, or you cannot read about the abuse and death of children.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Child sexual abuse
  • Child death
  • Prejudice
  • Violence

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Child abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Hate crime
  • Incest
  • Infidelity
  • Misogyny
  • Panic attacks/disorders
  • Physical abuse
  • Rape

Quick answers about The God of Small Things

What is The God of Small Things about?
In Kerala, a pair of twins grows up in a family riven by caste, class and old resentments. A visit from a cousin in 1969 sets in motion events that will mark them for life.
Who should read The God of Small Things?
Read it if you like richly worded novels that circle around a tragedy and make the small details feel enormous. Skip it if you want a linear plot, or you cannot read about the abuse and death of children.
How long and how fast is The God of Small Things?
It is a slow-paced, medium read of about 344 pages, first published in 1997.
Does The God of Small Things have content warnings?
Content we flag: Child sexual abuse, Child death, Prejudice, Violence.
Can I borrow The God of Small Things for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The God of Small Things; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The God of Small Things?
Readers who liked it often move on to Midnight's Children, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Beloved.

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