The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is a richly layered novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and societal norms in the small town of Ayemenem, Kerala, India. The story alternates between two timelines: one detailing the childhood of fraternal twins, Estha and Rahel, and the other focusing on their adult lives, years after a tragic event that separated them.

At the heart of the novel is a forbidden love affair between Ammu, the twins' mother, and Velutha, a lower-caste man, which defies the rigid social structures of the time. This romance leads to devastating consequences for everyone involved, as they face the harsh judgments of family, community, and class.

The book is known for its vivid, poetic prose and its intricate narrative style. Themes of memory, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships permeate the novel, while Roy's portrayal of India’s social and political tensions adds depth to the personal struggles of the characters. The God of Small Things won the Booker Prize in 1997, receiving acclaim for its bold storytelling and profound exploration of the human condition.