Arundhati Roy’s poetic debut novel tells the story of twins Estha and Rahel, and the shocking consequences of a pivotal event in their young lives.
The Booker Prize 1997
Arundhati Roy
Nearly 30 years after the prize’s inception, Arundhati Roy became the first Indian winner, with her debut novel. Roy, sidetracked by other things, took 20 years to release her second.
The God of Small Things, for which Roy received a half-million pound advance, was a huge commercial success, although in her home state of Kerala the novel’s unrestrained sex scenes led to her being accused of obscenity. In the years following her win, Roy spent most of her time engaged in political activism and writing socially-engaged essays, becoming a controversial figure in India.
Eventually, she started another novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, which was longlisted in 2017.
Watch the ceremony
Winner The Booker Prize 1997
- By
- Arundhati Roy
- Published by
- Flamingo
Arundhati Roy’s poetic debut novel tells the story of twins Estha and Rahel, and the shocking consequences of a pivotal event in their young lives.
The Shortlist
Jim Crace’s imaginative retelling of a biblical story centres on four travellers trapped in the wilderness, and their terrifying battle for survival.
By Jim Crace
Mick Jackson’s moving portrayal of a Victorian misfit, who slowly comes to understand the history that lies behind his obsessive behaviour.
By Mick Jackson
A composer returns to Belfast in Bernard MacLaverty’s lyrical novel about coming to terms with the past and the healing power of music.
Madeleine St John’s novel about the shockingly abrupt end to a relationship skillfully treads a fine line between humour and pathos.
