 |
|
Arundhati Roy's memoir, Mother Mary Comes To Me, is a deeply personal and intimate exploration of her life with, and ultimately without, her mother, Mary Roy. The article, a review of the book, highlights the complex and often turbulent relationship between the author and her mother, painting a portrait of a woman who was both a force of nature and a source of considerable pain. Mary Roy is depicted as brilliant, accomplished, and efficient, but also as having a volatile temper and the capacity for both immense generosity and cruelty. This duality is a central theme of the memoir, as Arundhati grapples with her love and admiration for her mother, while also acknowledging the lasting impact of her often harsh and unpredictable behavior. The review emphasizes the raw honesty of Roy's writing, noting her refusal to shy away from difficult truths and her commitment to portraying her mother in all her complexity, without resorting to judgment or victimhood. This is evident in the author's consistent reference to her mother as Mrs. Roy throughout the book, creating a deliberate sense of distance, except for a single, intimate moment at the end where she calls her Mart. The narrative is punctuated by vivid descriptions of childhood trauma, particularly the verbal assaults that Arundhati endured from her mother, which left her feeling as though she had been “cut out – cut my shape out – of a picture book with a sharp pair of scissors and then torn me up.” These experiences, the review suggests, shaped Roy's worldview and her writing style, imbuing her prose with a visceral power and a willingness to confront difficult subjects head-on. The reviewer also points out the humor and heart that are woven throughout the memoir, providing moments of comic relief amidst the darker themes. These moments serve to humanize both Arundhati and Mary Roy, reminding the reader of the deep bond that existed between them, despite the challenges they faced. The memoir is not simply a recounting of personal history, but also a reflection on the broader societal forces that shaped Mary Roy's life and the lives of her children. Mary Roy's fight against the Travancore Succession Act of 1916, which discriminated against women in matters of property inheritance, is presented as a pivotal moment in the fight for women's rights in India. This legal battle transformed her into a minor legend and demonstrated her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Arundhati's admiration for her mother's courage and determination is palpable in these passages, highlighting the positive impact that Mary Roy had on the world, despite her personal flaws. The memoir also explores Arundhati's own journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with the legacy of her mother and seeks to forge her own path. Her decision to run away from home at the age of 16 is presented as a necessary step in her process of individuation, allowing her to both understand her mother better and build defenses against her. Her time in Delhi, where she studied architecture and met a diverse cast of characters, is depicted as a period of liberation and growth. The recurring image of the “brown moth” serves as a metaphor for Arundhati's restless spirit, her constant need to escape from restrictive bonds and embrace a life of freedom and independence. The review notes that the second half of the memoir shifts focus to Arundhati's life as an actor, scriptwriter, and author, chronicling her political activism and her engagement with social justice issues. Her experiences in the Narmada Valley and the forests of Dantewada are presented as formative events that shaped her political consciousness and fueled her commitment to fighting for the marginalized and oppressed. The review concludes by emphasizing the enduring impact of Mary Roy on Arundhati's life and work. Despite the challenges and pain that she endured, Arundhati ultimately recognizes that her mother played a crucial role in shaping her into the writer and activist that she is today. The memoir is a testament to the power of the mother-daughter bond, even in its most complex and challenging forms. It is a story of love, loss, and ultimately, redemption, offering a profound and moving portrait of two extraordinary women.
The essence of the reviewed memoir, Mother Mary Comes To Me, lies not merely in the recounting of events but in the meticulous dissection of a deeply intertwined mother-daughter dynamic. It is a narrative woven with threads of admiration, resentment, fear, and enduring love, each emotion carefully examined under the discerning gaze of Arundhati Roy's unflinching prose. The review underscores the importance of understanding Mary Roy's character not as a monolithic entity of either saint or sinner, but as a multifaceted individual shaped by her own traumas and societal constraints. Her violent upbringing, described with stark detail, offers a glimpse into the origins of her own volatile temperament. Yet, the memoir does not seek to excuse her behavior, but rather to contextualize it within the broader framework of her life. Roy masterfully avoids the pitfall of portraying herself as a mere victim, instead presenting a balanced perspective that acknowledges both the pain she endured and the strength she gained from her mother's influence. The review highlights the significance of Mary Roy's legal battle against the Travancore Succession Act. This was not merely a personal vendetta but a pivotal moment in the fight for women's rights in India. The successful overturning of this discriminatory law cemented Mary Roy's legacy as a champion for gender equality, a legacy that undoubtedly inspired her daughter's own activism. The reviewer correctly points out that the memoir is not solely focused on the mother-daughter relationship. It also delves into Arundhati Roy's personal and political awakening. Her experiences as an actor, scriptwriter, and author are interwoven with her engagement in social justice movements, creating a portrait of a woman deeply committed to using her voice to speak truth to power. The review also acknowledges the role of other significant figures in Arundhati Roy's life, including her brother LKC, her father Micky Roy, and her various lovers and friends. These individuals are not merely peripheral characters but integral parts of her journey, each contributing to her understanding of herself and the world around her. The image of the “brown moth” is a recurring motif in the memoir, symbolizing Roy's inherent restlessness and her need to break free from societal expectations. This image encapsulates her lifelong struggle to balance her desire for connection with her need for independence. The review praises Roy's honesty and courage in confronting difficult and uncomfortable truths about herself and her family. She does not shy away from revealing her own flaws and imperfections, making her story all the more relatable and compelling. Ultimately, Mother Mary Comes To Me is more than just a memoir; it is a powerful exploration of family, identity, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love, even in its most imperfect forms.
The critical analysis of Arundhati Roy's Mother Mary Comes To Me astutely observes the intricate dance between memory and narrative, recognizing the memoir not just as a factual recounting but as a crafted interpretation of a life deeply marked by maternal influence. The review excels in dissecting the multifaceted portrayal of Mary Roy, avoiding simplistic labels and instead embracing the complexities of her character. By acknowledging both her formidable strength and her capacity for cruelty, the review highlights the inherent contradictions within Mary Roy, making her a far more compelling and believable figure. The emphasis on Mary Roy's legal battle against the Travancore Succession Act is crucial, as it places her within a broader historical and social context. This event not only demonstrates her personal courage but also underscores her significant contribution to the advancement of women's rights in India. The review effectively connects this aspect of Mary Roy's life to Arundhati's own activism, suggesting that her mother's fight for justice served as a powerful inspiration. The review also highlights the importance of understanding the memoir as a journey of self-discovery for Arundhati Roy. Her exploration of her relationship with her mother is not merely a cathartic exercise but a crucial step in her process of individuation. By confronting the complexities of her past, she is able to forge her own identity and define her own path. The recurring motif of the "brown moth" is skillfully interpreted as a symbol of Roy's restless spirit and her constant need for freedom. This image captures the essence of her lifelong struggle to reconcile her desire for connection with her yearning for independence. The review commends Roy's unflinching honesty in confronting difficult truths about herself and her family. Her willingness to expose her own vulnerabilities makes her story all the more relatable and compelling. The nuanced portrayal of sibling love, particularly the bond between Arundhati and her brother LKC, adds another layer of depth to the memoir. Their shared experiences of childhood trauma and their enduring affection for each other provide a powerful counterpoint to the often-turbulent relationship with their mother. The concluding reflection on Mary Roy's legacy is particularly insightful. By acknowledging her role in unleashing Arundhati Roy's "guerrilla heart, mind and all, upon us," the review underscores the profound and lasting impact of a complex and unforgettable woman. In essence, the review accurately captures the essence of Mother Mary Comes To Me as a powerful and moving exploration of family, identity, and the enduring influence of the past. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love, even in its most imperfect forms. The review's strength lies in its nuanced analysis and its avoidance of simplistic interpretations, making it a valuable contribution to the understanding of Arundhati Roy's work.
Source: ‘Mother Mary Comes To Me’: Arundhati Roy writes intimately of life with, and without, her mother