Indian author Arundhati Roy is one of the best-known contemporary English writers in the world. Often highlighted in the news for her radical views and political activism, Roy is an architecture student. She came into the limelight with her book “The God of Small Things” which won the Booker Prize for fiction in 1997.
Roy’s name resonates far and wide. She’s celebrated as both a masterful storyteller and an unflinching activist. Her work is a valuable addition to contemporary literature and transcends the boundaries of fiction and nonfiction, bringing a fresh perspective to readers.
In this piece, we will explore the most famous works of Arundhati Roy Books. These books have all been written with a focus on addressing controversial issues plaguing the Indian nation.
Best Arundhati Roy Books
God of Small Things
With her eloquent writing on caste, forbidden love, and the impact of cultural rules on personal lives, Roy burst onto the literary scene with The God of Small Things, which won the Booker Prize in 1997.
The novel is set in the 1960s within the lush landscapes of Kerala, India, and delves into the lives of fraternal twins, Rahel and Estha. The God of Small Things is a story of family, love, and the complex interplay of societal norms. With rich descriptions, Roy’s writing brings the world of Ayemenem alive, which allows readers to feel every emotion and observe every detail.
The God of Small Things explores themes including the impact of colonialism and caste, forbidden love and family bonds, and social criticism on the rigidity of societal norms.
Purchase Now: God of Small Things
The Doctor and the Saint
The Doctor and the Saint is a powerful examination of caste, oppression, and the legacy of two iconic Indian figures: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. Arundhati Roy’s The Doctor and the Saint (2017) is the best read to address inequality in India.
It helps readers to understand the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a lifelong advocate for the rights of Dalits. The book takes an in-depth look at the ideological clash of the issue of caste and exposes the complex realities underlying India’s social fabric.
In The Doctor and the Saint Roy sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of Gandhi’s life and beliefs regarding caste and untouchability, painting a complex portrait that challenges mainstream belief many Indians already have.
Roy thoroughly examines India’s past and present, questioning romanticized narratives and providing a fresh perspective on Gandhi’s stance on caste in contrast with Ambedkar’s. The book showcases a clear, unapologetic view of caste issues that continue to affect millions in India.
Purchase Now: The Doctor and the Saint: The Ambedkar Gandhi Debate: Caste, Race, and Annihilation of Caste
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
More than ten years after her debut novel, Roy returned to fiction with The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. A multi-layered narrative, Ministry of Happiness is a sprawling and ambitious work that explores the lives of marginalized communities in India.
The novel reads the journeys of Anjum and Tiol, a transgender woman living in a graveyard, and a free-spirited architect. They get caught in the throes of Kashmir’s political conflict. Through the characters that struggle and thrive despite systemic oppression, Roy challenges readers to question authority and empathize with those often overlooked.
It covers various issues ranging from religious intolerance and gender identity to nationalism and insurgency. It’s a perfect read on gender identity and the struggle for acceptance, political unrest in Kashmir and across India, and the intersection of personal lives and political landscapes.
Purchase Now: The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
Non-Fiction Box Set on Bookbuzzz
As a surprise to our readers, we are offering the famous non-fiction box set by Arundhati Roy. It includes Roy’s most provocative and celebrated novels, capturing her voice as a fearless activist and defender of the marginalized.
This collection encompasses nearly two decades of her writings on corporate globalization, environmental justice, anti-nuclear activism, and the impacts of war and religious extremism.
The Algebra of Infinite Justice
The novel is focused on the forces shaping our world in the wake of global crises like terrorism, nuclear armament, and corporate exploitation. Through a set of essays, Roy questions the impact of the nuclear arms race in South Asia and the impact of globalization on the environment.
This book is a potent reminder of how unchecked power can lead to devastating consequences.
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An Ordinary Person’s Guide to Empire
Dive into an exciting and comprehensive head of global powers, media, and economic policies, while discovering how modern imperialism wields influence over smaller nations through controlling corporations and media.
This book serves as a sharp critique of corporate globalization and the inequalities it fosters. For anyone interested in understanding the forces behind modern-day economic dominance, this book offers a grounded, accessible, and eye-opening analysis of power and resistance.
The Shape of the Beast
The Shape of the Beast is a collection of interviews where Roy shares her perspectives on capitalism, environmentalism, religious extremism, and more.
Roy offers her perspective on the connections between these issues, illustrating how they intersect to shape the lives of ordinary people. What makes this book unique is Roy’s authenticity and honesty as she discusses her activism and her views on the world. In between the pages of this book, there’s hope for a more compassionate society in the book.
Listening to Grasshoppers
This novel will resonate with anyone who values freedom and justice, but especially those in India as the book explores what it means to exist in a democracy. The writer examines communal violence, religious intolerance, and the erosion of democratic values. Through vivid descriptions and historical insights, she discusses the impact of authoritarianism and extremism.
Broken Republic
Broken Republic captures Roy’s journey into India’s forests, where indigenous communities are fighting for survival against mining corporations and state forces. Throughout this book, you will encounter the realities of people standing up to powerful forces and advocating for a more just and sustainable world.
In this set of essays, the writer sheds light on oppressed communities fighting to protect their land, culture, and livelihoods. The book offers a compassionate look at the struggles of those marginalized by India’s drive for development, challenging readers to question what progress truly means.
It’s a powerful set of non-fiction that reflects Roy’s unwavering commitment to social justice and her critique of oppressive systems.
Check out : Famous Biographies and Autobiographies
Why We Should Read Arundhati Roy Books
Roy’s work is essential for anyone looking to understand the complexities of contemporary society and seeking to understand the dynamics that shape our world and the courage it takes to speak truth and challenge power. Reading Arundhati Roy at BookBuzzz is a profound and transformative experience. Her books offer:
- A chance to challenge the status quo
- A voice for the marginalized
- A uniquely powerful and poetic writing style
- A blend of fiction and reality to reflect human complexity
- Inspired empathy and connection
Conclusion
Explore the above-shared novels to get a new perspective on justice, empathy, and resilience. These books are more than stories—they are windows into humanity’s shared struggles and hopes.
FAQs
Q. Are Arundhati Roy books suitable for readers new to non-fiction?
Ans: Yes. The poetry and storytelling style of her books makes her work accessible to a wide audience, including those new to non-fiction.
Q. Which topics does Arundhati Roy explore in her books?
Ans: Her books cover themes including social inequality, environmental justice, imperialism, democracy, and the experiences of marginalized communities. Through her writing, she highlights the complexities and challenges of modern society.
Q. What sets Arundhati Roy’s books apart from other writers on similar themes?
Ans: The powerful combination of poetic language and courage to take on difficult subjects makes her work both impactful and memorable.