Greyton Book Review
Roy’s memoir is a beautiful account of a life shaped by activism, Indian history, and complex relationships, primarily her relationship with her mother, Mary Roy.
Pradip Krishen. She acts in films and goes on to write screenplays. She also recon- nects with her father, Micky Roy, in a passage that is both very funny and deeply mov - ing. What follows is the story of her career and her fight to preserve the India she loves.
M ary walked out of her marriage with little more than a degree in education. In 1967, she founded a renowned school in a former Rotary Club hall in Kerala’s Kottayam district and later won a landmark Supreme Court case securing inheritance rights for Christian women. Brilliant and deeply loved by the community of Kerala, she touched many people’s lives. Her two children, however, were not so lucky at home. Mary could be savage - dishing out punishments and constantly belittling them. Her relationship with Arundhati was complex and often cruel. She taught her daughter how to be a strong feminist while undermining her at every turn; she was both “a terror and a wonder to behold.” “It has taken me years to come to terms with the fact that I was a middle child, one of three siblings, not two. My older
sibling was a boy, and my younger
sibling was at school. There was never any doubt about who our
She won the Booker Prize in 1997 for The God of Small Things. Arundhati’s life story becomes, in many ways, the story of mod- ern India and of life as an activist. As Mary becomes ill, the book circles back to her mother and the last years of her life. An asthmatic who has taken to her bed, Mary forges a slightly easier relationship with her daughter and is immensely proud of her achievements. The early part of the book provides insight into some of the origins of The God of Small Things, and this memoir, beautifully written, contains some of the same whim- sy and magic in its characters. I immedi- ately had to go back and reread The God of Small Things, and I’m so glad I did.
mother’s favourite child was. She loved, fought for and protected her youngest child with every- thing she had. That kind of focused, ferocious love, regardless of what it may choose as its object, is a blessed love. The challenge for those of us who are not chosen, and instead watch love pass us by, is to learn from it, marvel at it, and not grow bitter and incapable of love ourselves.” “I left my mother not because I didn’t love her, but in order to be able to continue to love her.” The memoir leaves Kerala when Arund - hati secures a place to study architec - ture in New Delhi. There she meets her future husband, documentary filmmaker
‘The Way’ Preschool Growing Strong Tucked away in Heuwelkroon,The Way Montessori Preschool has been quietly flourishing since opening its doors in 2023 with just 15 little learners.
PRU RAMSEY
T oday, that number has grown to a lively and happy group of 27 - a wonderful sign of a school finding its feet in the community. At the heart of The Way are long-time Valley residents Vivean Seconna Davids and Elani Franz, both Montessori-trained through Shiloh Synergy and qualified with Level 5 Diplomas in Early Childhood Development from Indaba Institute in Stellenbosch. Alongside them, assistant Memory Tembo has begun her own Montessori training - a lovely example of growth from within. Community spirit was on full display in October 2025 when a fundraising raffle raised an impressive R70,400 to fence the property. The draw, overseen by Greyton auditor Peter Duncun, was won by Yunita Steyn, whose family will enjoy a West Coast getaway during flower season.
The Way offers a warm, values- based environment where respect, curiosity, and care for others are part of everyday learning. Children are well looked after too - with daily breakfasts and
community-sup- ported lunches adding to the sense of care that runs through the school. Greyton auditor Peter Duncan oversaw the raffle.
The new fence now provides a safe, se- cure space for the children - something everyone involved can feel proud of. Next on the horizon is an exciting outdoor play area designed to spark imagination, movement, and connec- tion to nature - all key to the Montessori approach. Plans are underway for a volunteer-led playground build in Octo- ber 2026, with support from the South African Institute for Sensory Integration.
A registered NPO,The Way continues to grow with heart. To find out more or get involved, contact 083 626 0483.
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