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The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2017
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Check link for latest rating. ( 38,275 ratings, 5,188 reviews)
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The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
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Description
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy is a radiant and compelling novel that elegantly weaves together profound narratives set across the vast and diverse landscapes of India. This luminous follow-up to her Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things takes readers on an extraordinary journey, exploring themes of love, hope, and resilience through a rich tapestry of unforgettable characters.
At the heart of the story is Anjum, a hijra who lives in a graveyard. Her life is interwoven with a motley crew of misfits and outcasts from Delhi's bustling streets, creating a makeshift family of sorts. Anjum's decision to take in an abandoned baby sets the stage for an expansive tale that spans over two decades. This poignant act leads to the entrance of Tilo, a brilliant and beautiful Kashmiri woman, forever bound to three rival men amid her quest for belonging and love.
As the narrative unfolds, Arundhati Roy transports readers from the crowded and chaotic streets of Old Delhi to the serene valleys and troubled landscapes of Kashmir. Her powerful prose captures the essence of India's socio-political backdrop and the personal stories of its inhabitants, blending moments of heartbreaking sorrow with those of joy and redemption.
Through the lens of Anjum and Tilo's interconnected lives, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness delves into the deeper aspects of humanity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that resides within us all. Every turn of the page is infused with Roy's signature magic, evoking vivid imagery and thought-provoking questions that linger long after the book is closed.
This novel is not just a narrative; it is an experience, a profound commentary on the fabric of contemporary Indian society and the hidden lives within it. For readers who cherish deeply moving and intricately crafted stories, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness promises a literary journey unlike any other.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is praised as a remarkable and heartfelt novel that delivers a rich, intimate epic. Reviewers highlight its vivid portrayal of modern India, intricate human dramas, and delicate balance of humour and tragedy. Critics appreciate its poetic, cinematic storytelling and anticipate its recognition in literary prize shortlists this year.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241980767
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 07 June 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 27.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 319g
Pages: 464
About the Author
Arundhati Roy is the author of The God of Small Things, which won the Booker Prize in 1997 and has been translated into more than forty languages, and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, which was long-listed for the Man Booker Prize 2017. Roy has also published several works of non-fiction, including The Algebra of Infinite Justice, Listening to Grasshoppers and Broken Republic. She lives in Delhi.
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