Midnight’s Children (1981) by Salman Rushdie

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Midnight’s Children (1981) by Salman Rushdie is a story that borders those wonderful lines in bedtime stories, folk-tales, and in myths, shaping not only this tale of Saleem Sinai, who is born on August 15, 1947 at India’s independence, but shaping the legend of all who cross paths with him. A lengthy book at 533 pages, Midnight’s Children is well worth the read.

I read this book, words flowing off the page and the story immediately coming to life, in 2011 and revisit it here because of the movie version, and I still remember the hole in the sheet Saleem’s grandparents met through, the pickle factory, the nose with powers, the ability to speak to the other 1,000 children (who also have their magical gifts) born at midnight on August 15, 1947, and Parvati-the-witch.

One of the great things about this book is how Rushdie weaves history with a boy’s magical adventures, making it not only a fun read but also a read that takes you back in time.

Midnight’s Children won the esteemed Booker Prize in 1981 and the Best of the Booker in 1993, and again later in 2008. In the 25th Anniversary Edition there is a great introduction by Rushdie, and it is also an insightful read.

I strongly recommend this book for any who love stories.

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CG FEWSTON