Literary Analysis - The God of Small Things explores family dynamics, love, trauma, connection, shame, and pride, shaped by external life, politics, and society [6] - The novel's narrative refrain, "things can change in a day," gains relevance in contemporary contexts [9] - The book faced bans and challenges in India and the United States for its depiction of sexuality and exploration of social taboos [8] - The author discusses the interplay of memory, imagination, and fiction in her work, particularly in relation to her novel and her mother [20] Social and Cultural Impact - The God of Small Things influenced the perception of Indian literature globally, bringing it to a wider audience [8] - The novel challenges India's hidebound society and strict social codes, particularly regarding caste and marriage [11] - The author faced legal challenges for corrupting public morality and obscenity due to the book's themes [12] - Literature can unite people across borders, while the world often divides them through nationalistic constructs [15] Author's Perspective - The author believes a writer's job is to explore boundaries, even if it leads to unpopularity or trouble [14] - The author rejects looking at literature through the lens of national flags, borders, and national pride [16]