Arundhati Roy's New Memoir Unveils Complex Ties with Influential Mother and Activism Journey
August 28, 2025
Arundhati Roy's memoir 'Mother Mary Comes to Me' reflects on her complex relationship with her mother, Mary Roy, highlighting her mother's influence on her identity and activism, especially regarding social norms and laws.
Roy was motivated to write the memoir after her mother's passing at age 89, aiming to present an honest, unresolved picture of her mother and explore her own struggles with love, violence, and social injustice.
Her relationship with her mother was marked by her mother's powerful, often cruel nature, which challenged societal norms and shaped Roy's worldview and activism.
Roy, who rose to fame with her debut novel 'The God of Small Things' in 1997, transitioned from fiction to political essays and activism, critiquing issues like Indian nationalism, Hindu nationalism, Kashmir, and corporate crimes.
Despite her success, Roy remains deeply connected to her roots and family, acknowledging her mother's complex personality and the societal issues that influence her work.
Her memoir intertwines personal experiences—such as leaving home at 18, her political activism, winning the Booker Prize, and legal battles—with her ongoing commitment to social causes and her belief in love and generosity.
Roy's political stance has remained consistent, advocating for the powerless and criticizing fascism, even as her work has become more didactic over time.
She describes her outsider status due to her mother's community rejection, financial struggles, and her pride in her identity as her mother's daughter.
Roy critiques the influence of corporate interests and Hindu nationalism, viewing modern societal structures as a disguised form of apartheid that sustains caste and wealth disparities.
She emphasizes her relentless pursuit of personal freedom and happiness, advocating for mental space and reflection amidst social media's noise.
Despite facing bans and legal challenges, Roy affirms her love for India and her dedication to fighting for dignity and justice in her homeland.
Her memoir combines personal narrative with reflections on her political commitments, illustrating her ongoing revolt against societal injustices and her desire for authentic self-expression.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

The Hindu • Aug 28, 2025
“I wasn’t brave. I did not have a choice,” says Arundhati Roy in an interview about her memoir
Vulture • Aug 27, 2025
Arundhati Roy’s Memoir ‘Mother Mary Comes to Me’: Review