In Arundhati Roy's novel "The God of Small Things," the quote "What came for them? Not death. Just the end of living" speaks to the profound sense of loss experienced by the characters. It suggests that for them, the impact of their circumstances transcends mere physical death. Instead, they confront a spiritual or emotional cessation, indicating that life, in its essence, has become unbearable.

This sentiment reflects the deeper themes of the novel, where societal norms and personal tragedies intertwine to strip individuals of their hope and joy. The characters navigate a world defined by rigid caste systems and familial expectations, leading to a poignant exploration of what it means to truly live versus merely existing in a constrained reality.