Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie : Indian History has never been more interesting

I am envious of Salman Rushdie. He writes like a dream and seems to have the latest and greatest women in the world. What a life. What talent. Initially I supposed he was all hype, from what I saw in the newspapers. I wonder why they never highlight the fact that he is a splendid writer as well. Positives don’t make for good sales I guess. The enchantress of Florence took me by surprise, in fact blew me away. I wasn’t expecting anything and didn’t think I would proceed beyond the first 40-50 pages but it just drew me in the way all the best books do.

I have been reading Midnight’s Children over the past couple of days and it is a fantastic book. Every page is a sheer joy to read. Never have I found Indian History to be more interesting and intriguing than when Saleem Sinai is narrating it.

The book melds elements of fact and fiction using magical realism into a delicious cocktail of language that dazzles and delights at every turn. It truly is a masterpiece and the Bookers did get this one right.

Saleem Sinai our narrator is a child born on the exact moment of India’s Freedom. This grants him certain telepathic powers and his life is inextricably linked with India’s, Pakistan’s and Bangladesh. His ups and downs, mirror India’s.

Just a brilliant brilliant book.

You can buy Midnight's Children here.

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