Mother Mary Comes To Me

Bookseller recommendation

“Two opposing things can be true at the same time. Arundhati refers to her mother, Mary Roy, as both her shelter and her storm. And as the book progresses, it becomes clear that as a mother, Mrs Roy was both too much and not enough. Narrated by the author, Arundhati's enunciation is delicious with a lilt that lights up a grim yet inspiring tale. A daughter who, at 63, loses her mother and then herself in her grief, Arundhati writes in her attempt to find ground again. What emerges is a book of such honesty and intellect and emotional richness, Mother Mary Comes to Me is an absolute stand-out. ”

— Jaye • Mary Martin Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“A brilliant memoir from Arundhati Roy. Read by the author, it is beautifully told. Roy’s life, and her mother’s are extraordinary. Cannot recommend this more highly. ”

— Charlotte • Ink Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Beautiful, insightful and inspiring. Arundhati's audio is stunning and adds such depth to an already wonderful memoir. ”

— Jaclyn • Avid Reader Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“After reading Mother Mary Comes to Me, you’ll likely feel cracked open. Roy will leave you awash in a swirl of grief, admiration, and deep recognition of the tangled cords that bind us to those who shape us most.”

— DJ Johnson • Baldwin & Co.

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is compilation of stories, experiences, thoughts and a lifetime of experiences that blends storytelling with deep introspection without being complicated. Listening to Arundhati Roy tell her own story in her uniquely raspy voice, is almost soothing because it's so calm, casual and easy, and for those familiar with her powerful speeches it's almost like listening to that inspiring lecturer who was teaching you about life without you realising it. It challenges norms, authority, stereotypes, bigotry and seemlessly switches between memoir and inspiration. When Ms Roy wants to describe a scene it's like you're standing there, and if you've visited India or any of the locations mentioned, you can almost see it, smell it and feel it. It challenges colonialism, misogyny, racism and links into current affairs. Highly recommend this book. ”

— Mohamed K. • Pro Visions

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a moving account of the author's problematic relationship with her mother, Mary Roy, or Mrs Roy to her children and everyone else. Mary Roy divorced her husband, a "nothing man", when her children were young and set about forging her own life on her own terms, becoming a champion for women's rights in India and establishing a groundbreaking school in Kerala. She was happy to nurture other people's children, but her own two children were never good enough, and she let them know. Her daughter, Arundathi Roy, became a celebrated Booker Prize winner and vocal critic of the Indian government and her story is woven into this amazing book. Narrated by Arundathi, it is beautiful to listen to - funny, sad, angry, inspiring. I can't recommend it highly enough. ”

— Mark • Readings

Bookseller recommendation

“What an incredible privilege to listen to Arundhati Roy tell us the story of her life; of her mother, of the realities of “India, my dear”… this one is essential. ”

— Amelia • Imprints Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“Super easy listen, fascinating story. Really enjoyed it! ”

— Hilary • Bridge Street Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A stunning book from a powerful woman, and such a gift to have her narrate it herself! I was hooked from the introduction when she describes her mother as both her storm and her shelter. Ow, my heart!”

— Erin • The Folkestone Bookshop