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74 pages 2 hours read

Arundhati Roy

The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy is a novel spanning the 1950s to the 2010s that follows the interconnected lives of Anjum, a Muslim Hijra living in a graveyard, and Tilo, a woman involved in the Kashmir conflict, as they navigate personal and political turmoil in contemporary India. Themes of intersex identity, rape, and violence are central to the narrative.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Arundhati Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is praised for its lyrical prose and vivid storytelling, capturing India's socio-political landscape. Critics commend its intricate characters and interwoven narratives but note occasional disjointedness and dense passages. Overall, it’s a poignant, ambitious work that may challenge readers with its complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ministry Of Utmost Happiness?

A reader who would enjoy The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy is likely captivated by intricate narratives that intertwine personal and political struggles. Fans of Roy's The God of Small Things or Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children would appreciate its rich prose, complex characters, and exploration of India's socio-political landscape.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years