[Updike is an American novelist, critic, essayist, and short story writer. In the following review, he lauds Roy's achievements in The God of Small Things despite what he considers her "overwrought" passages and self-conscious "artiness."]

[In the following review, Truax notes that The God of Small Things is at times painful and difficult to read, but maintains that the reader is richly rewarded for finishing the novel.]

[In the following review, attempts to place The God of Small Things within the tradition of modern Indian literature written in English.]

[Eder is an American journalist and critic. In the following review, he commends Roy's evocative treatment of social upheaval and personal tragedy, but dislikes her narrative nonlinearity and experimentation with language.]

[In the following review, Kakutani praises Roy's keen observation of human nature.]

[Craig is a South African-born English journalist. In the following review, she contends that, while The God of Small Things suffers from Roy's somewhat overwrought style, the book demonstrates the author's talent and promise.]

[Shapiro is an American journalist. In the following review, she offers praise for The God of Small Things, in particular Roy's playful use of language and development of eccentric characters.]

[In the following review, the critic commends Roy's "spectacular" first novel.]

[In the following review, the critic praises Roy's subtle handling of complex issues and her masterful storytelling.]

[In the following article, Lyall reports on Roy's winning of the Booker Prize for The God of Small Things.]