"I have been writing this book all my life," said Roy. "Perhaps a mother like mine deserved a writer like me as a daughter. Equally, perhaps a writer like me deserved a mother like her." This reflection captures the duality of Roy's relationship with her mother and the profound influence it had on her life and writing. Ultimately, she feels the loss deeply, mourning not just the mother but the writer's most inspiring subject.
Heart-smashed by her mother Mary's death in September 2022, and more than a little ashamed by the intensity of her response, Roy began to write the memoir. The book is both a tribute and an exploration of her life, capturing the complexities of their relationship from her childhood in Kerala to her adult life in Delhi.
In June, Roy was announced as the winner of the PEN Pinter prize, awarded to a writer who casts an unflinching, unswerving gaze on the world. This recognition comes amid a backdrop of controversy, as Indian authorities have decided to prosecute her over past comments regarding Kashmir, showing her continued relevance in both literature and political discourse.
Roy's previous accolades include the 1997 Booker prize for her debut novel, The God of Small Things, and her second novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, which was longlisted for the Booker in 2017. Her catalog of nonfiction further showcases her literary versatility and commitment to addressing challenging societal issues.
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