Arundhati Roy’s Memoir “Mother Mary Comes to Me” Is a ‘Soaring Account’ of a Complex Relationship — See the Cover (Exclusive)

Arundhati Roy Unveils Cover of Memoir Honouring Late Mother Mary

Celebrated author Arundhati Roy is set to release her much-anticipated memoir, diving into the intricacies of her relationship with her late mother, Mary Roy. People magazine exclusively reveals the cover of Roy’s upcoming book, “Mother Mary Comes to Me,” slated for release this autumn through Scribner.

Roy, renowned for acclaimed novels like the Booker Prize-winning “The God of Small Things” and “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness,” shares that her debut memoir delves into the complexities of her bond with her mother, an educator and women’s rights activist. Reflecting on her decision to leave home at 18, Roy explains that it was not an act of abandonment but rather a means to enable her to love her mother in a different way.

Mary Roy, famed for her advocacy work, notably succeeded in a landmark Supreme Court case in 1986 that secured equal inheritance rights for Christian women in India. The memoir reveals Roy’s journey from her upbringing in Kerala, India, to her evolution into the esteemed author she is today.

In the wake of Mary’s passing in 2022, Roy found solace in writing as she processed her emotions. “Mother Mary Comes to Me” is expected to offer readers an intimate and inspiring account of Roy’s personal growth and the profound influence of her extraordinary mother on her life and career.

While this memoir marks Roy’s first foray into the genre, she is no stranger to nonfiction, having penned politically charged works like “The Algebra of Infinite Justice” and “Walking with the Comrades.” Known for her passionate and politically astute writing style, Roy’s memoir promises to be imbued with the same depth and clarity that characterizes her nonfiction works.

In a statement upon the announcement of her memoir in September 2024, Roy conveyed the profound impact of her mother on her identity and craft. She mused, “Perhaps a mother like mine deserved a writer like me as a daughter. Equally, perhaps a writer like me deserved a mother like her.”

Roy’s memoir is scheduled for release on September 2 and is currently available for pre-order. The author expresses gratitude for the support of esteemed publishers who will bring her story to light, acknowledging the challenging nature of sharing such a personal narrative with the world.

As readers eagerly anticipate the unveiling of Arundhati Roy’s innermost thoughts and reflections in “Mother Mary Comes to Me,” the memoir stands as a testimony to the enduring influence of maternal bonds and the complexities of familial relationships. Stay tuned for the release of this poignant and introspective work that promises to captivate audiences with its blend of personal narrative and literary prowess.