As part of Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading, we are asking every councillor to tell us about one of their favourite books.
And this week Councillor Abu Sultan told us about the book that made him fall in love with storytelling: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.
He said; “Back in the early 2000s, while I was on holiday in Bangladesh, I had the chance to visit Dhaka University. During that visit, a student gave me a copy of The God of Small Things - a thoughtful gift that I didn’t realise would spark a lifelong love of reading.
“Arundhati Roy’s writing pulled me in from the very first page. Set in the green, humid beauty of Kerala, the story follows twins Estha and Rahel as they navigate a childhood shaped by love, loss, and the quiet but powerful forces of society.
“What I’ve always admired is how Roy shines a light on the ‘small things’ - the fleeting moments, the silences, the unspoken emotions that shape us just as much as the big, dramatic events.
“The way she writes is unlike anything else. The book doesn’t follow a straight timeline; it moves like memory, with all its messiness and emotion.”
Councillor Sultan recent re-read the book, and it moved him just as much as it did the first time.
He said; “I was reminded just how sharp Roy’s observations are. She challenges caste, class, and gender inequality without ever losing sight of the human stories at the heart of it all. Even in the middle of tragedy, there’s beauty, tenderness, and hope.
“It had been over 20 years since I last read this book. What gave me the push to pick it up again was Bedford Borough’s Year of Reading—a brilliant campaign celebrating reading for all ages across our community. It’s reminded me how powerful books can be, and how they stay with us over time.
“You can find The God of Small Things at Bedford Library - a place I highly recommend. The staff are friendly, helpful, and always ready to point you towards something new. If you haven’t been for a while, now’s a great time to pop in. You never know which book might change your life.”
Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading is taking place throughout 2025, with a wide range of events and initiatives to celebrate and promote reading across the Borough, including town centre performances, literary trails, and author readings.
There will also be a range of volunteering opportunities, such as the chance for adults to volunteer in local primary schools, helping to improve children’s reading skills and life chances.
To find out more or to get involved visit www.bedford.gov.uk/yearofreading or email yearofreading@bedford.gov.uk
And remember - if you want to read a copy of The God of Small Things or any other book recommended by our councillors, you can always see if it's available in one of our libraries!
Visit or call any of our libraries during staffed hours and staff will help you to request titles, remembering to have your library card with you. You can also search the catalogue and request books on the library app or online catalogue using your library card number and PIN. If you’re not sure of your PIN, you can request a reminder. There is a charge for requesting books, but it’s free for children.
Library opening hours, PIN requests, and online catalogue is all accessible on the dedicated page on our website, and the app is called Bedfordshire Libraries in the App Store.