Arundhati Roy’s Memoir Exposes India’s “Sewer of Moral Rot”

URGENT UPDATE: Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy has just released her latest memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me, igniting discussions on India’s current political climate and her complex relationship with her late mother. Speaking from her apartment in Delhi, Roy describes the emotional turmoil following her mother’s death in September 2022, expressing feelings of grief and confusion over their fraught relationship.

In her memoir, Roy, known for her outspoken political views, tackles the pressing issues facing India today. She boldly claims that the country is “swimming in a sewer of moral rot,” as societal norms erode under the current regime led by Prime Minister Modi and his RSS party. She highlights the alarming rise in violence against marginalized communities, stating, “Thousands of people with swords are calling for the death of Muslims.”

Roy’s book serves not only as a tribute to her mother, who she describes as a “Dreamer Warrior Teacher,” but also as a critique of the systemic injustices permeating Indian society. Her reflections on her mother’s fierce ambition reveal the struggles of women in India—a theme that resonates throughout the memoir. “Women have somehow broken out of the homes they were locked into,” Roy notes, yet acknowledges that challenges like female feticide and violence continue unabated.

With 1,000 pages of collected essays and a storied history of activism, Roy’s writing has always blended personal narrative with political critique. She expresses her disdain for being labeled a “writer-activist,” asserting that addressing vital issues is the responsibility of all writers. “Fiction to me is freedom… Nonfiction usually has an argument,” she explains.

Roy’s memoir also touches on her experiences with protests and arrests, detailing her commitment to activism despite the personal risks involved. “I became very disobedient in a lot of ways,” she shares, emphasizing her refusal to remain silent amidst injustice.

The power of Roy’s prose lies in its ability to weave together personal history and broader societal critique. “I began to try to figure things out, outside the family, inside the family,” she reflects, highlighting the duality of her existence as both a daughter and a writer.

In the wake of her mother’s passing, Roy’s exploration of their relationship becomes a conduit for understanding the complexities of love and loss. “I was puzzled by my response,” she admits, showcasing the emotional depth of her writing.

As India grapples with its democratic identity, Roy’s voice emerges as a crucial part of the conversation. Her memoir is not just a personal reflection; it is a clarion call for awareness and action. “We have the charade of elections, but the intelligence services, the police, the army, all these have been infiltrated by this ultra right-wing organization,” she argues.

WHAT’S NEXT: Readers eager to engage with Roy’s thoughts can dive into Mother Mary Comes to Me, available now, which promises to be both a poignant memoir and a powerful political statement. As the world watches India navigate these turbulent waters, Roy’s insights will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the pages of her book, inviting dialogue and reflection on the pressing issues of our time.