Born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, at the precise moment of India's independence, the infant Saleem Sinai is celebrated in the press and welcomed by Prime Minister Nehru himself. But, this coincidence of birth has consequences Saleem is not prepared for: telepathic powers connect him with 1,000 other 'midnight's children' - all born in the initial hour of India's independence - and an uncanny sense of smell which allows him to sniff out dangers others cannot perceive. Inextricably linked to his nation, ...
Read More
Born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, at the precise moment of India's independence, the infant Saleem Sinai is celebrated in the press and welcomed by Prime Minister Nehru himself. But, this coincidence of birth has consequences Saleem is not prepared for: telepathic powers connect him with 1,000 other 'midnight's children' - all born in the initial hour of India's independence - and an uncanny sense of smell which allows him to sniff out dangers others cannot perceive. Inextricably linked to his nation, Saleem's biography is a whirlwind of disasters and triumphs that mirrors the course of modern India at its most impossible and glorious.
Read Less
This is probably the most brilliantly written book I've ever read. Rushdie is a literary genius. It's not easy reading, but it's completely engrossing and intriguing. It left me with two things: 1) a burning curiosity as to his writing process (the plot is so intertwined forward and backward, it almost seems as if he started in the middle and worked out both directions); 2) a desire to learn more about India's history since independence so I can better appreciate the book the next time I read it, which will be soon.
I almost don't dare read any of his other books for fear that they won't measure up to this one.