Arundhati Roy's New Memoir: A Deep Dive into Motherhood and Legacy

Sat Sep 13 2025 10:49:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Renowned author and activist Arundhati Roy shares her poignant reflections on motherhood and legacy in her latest memoir, 'Mother Mary Comes to Me', an evocative exploration of her complex relationship with her mother, Mary Roy.

In 'Mother Mary Comes to Me', Arundhati Roy narrates the dynamic, tumultuous relationship with her mother, Mary Roy, a feminist icon and educator. The memoir offers insights into Roy's formative years shaped by her mother’s fierce spirit and unconventional life, exploring themes of family, identity, and the push and pull of their bond. With humor and depth, Roy crafts a narrative that is both personal and universal.

'Someone once asked me what my mother's greatest legacy to me was,' Arundhati Roy remarked at a recent gathering in New Delhi. 'I said an overactive middle finger.'

This sharp, humorous quip serves as the perfect entry point into the Booker Prize-winning author and activist's new memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me. In this work, she delves into the life of her mother, Mary Roy—feminist icon, educator, and the woman Roy describes as both 'my shelter and my storm.'

Arundhati Roy, known for her groundbreaking novel The God of Small Things, has returned to fiction with her first memoir after a two-decade detour into non-fiction. With Mother Mary Comes to Me, she does not just celebrate her mother but offers a nuanced, sometimes painful exploration of their relationship, characterized by fierce love and conflict.

Mary Roy's life was extraordinary; she founded a school in Kerala, won a landmark Supreme Court case for inheritance rights for Christian women, and was both an inspiration and a complex figure in Roy's life. The memoir reflects the tension and admiration in their bond, presenting it as 'a respectful relationship between two nuclear powers.'

Living with Mary Roy was a challenge for Arundhati; she describes her childhood as one of both 'taking the hit' and 'taking notes.' The memoir does not shy away from the difficulties of their relationship, showcasing the raw, unfiltered reality of their lives.

Mary Roy, who died in 2022 at age 88, was a formidable figure whose story would resonate with many. She faced her battles with grace, and through her daughter’s eyes, readers learn not just about her mother but also about the forces that shaped Arundhati Roy, the award-winning author she has become.

The memoir is more than a personal narrative; it juxtaposes the author’s life experiences against the backdrop of significant cultural and social issues, showcasing their relevance today. As such, it reaffirms Arundhati Roy’s voice as one of profound social consciousness.

The recent launch of the book, held in Kochi, attracted large crowds, and featured a musical tribute to Mary Roy, showcasing the impact she left on her family and the community. The event captured the essence of Roy's life—fierce, loving, and unapologetically human.