Arundhati Roy, the Booker Prize-winning author, captivated audiences at a recent private gathering in Delhi as she discussed her memoir 'Mother Mary Comes to Me', a deeply personal account of her relationship with her late mother, Mary Roy. Describing her mother as 'my shelter and my storm', Roy paints a picture of a formidable woman who shaped both her life and her literary career.
Mary Roy, a trailblazer in her own right, was known for her relentless advocacy for women's rights, particularly her landmark Supreme Court case that secured inheritance rights for Christian women in India. The memoir is a blend of poignant anecdotes, humor, and the eccentricities of small-town life, reflecting Roy's love-hate relationship with her mother's strong personality.
Within the pages, Roy confronts the complexities of their bond, acknowledging the harsh realities of her mother’s temperament while celebrating her as a source of inspiration. From her unconventional parenting style to her own struggles in carving an identity away from her mother's shadow, Roy’s writing serves as both tribute and an honest exploration of familial love.
The memoir also captures the essence of Roy's journey as a writer, detailing the influences of music and the tumult of her personal life, alongside her social and political observations that she has been known for throughout her career. 'Mother Mary Comes to Me' resonates with anyone familiar with complex familial dynamics, illustrating how love can coexist with chaos and resolve.
