Arundhati Roy belongs to the literary record as a writer whose work outlasted the moment that produced it.
The record lists Arundhati Roy as Indian novelist, essayist, and activist.
Arundhati Roy was born at Shillong in 1961. Her recorded nationality is India. She was educated at University of Delhi and Lawrence School, Lovedale.
Contemporary publishing is global and fast, with translation, festivals and prizes doing much of the work that critics once did.
She worked as novelist, writer and screenwriter.
The writing is recorded in English and Hindi.
Her best-known work is The God of Small Things. Literature is judged by re-reading, which is a slower and harsher test than acclaim.
Recognition followed: Norman Mailer Prize (2011), Sydney Peace Prize (2004), Booker Prize (1997) and Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize (2002).
That the work was written from India matters: language, censorship and the reach of a publishing industry decide which books travel and which stay local.
Arundhati Roy is still writing, and the shape of the body of work is not yet settled.
Achievements
- Norman Mailer Prize — 2011
- Sydney Peace Prize — 2004
- Booker Prize — 1997
- Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize — 2002
- Notable work: The God of Small Things
