When a jumbo jet blows apart above the English Channel, Gabreel and Saladin are two who survive and are washed up on an English beach. However, it soon becomes clear that curious changes have come over them and that they have been chosen as protagonists in the eternal struggle between God and the Devil. Salman Rushdie is the author of "Midnight's Children", winner of the 1981 Booker Prize, and "Shame".
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When a jumbo jet blows apart above the English Channel, Gabreel and Saladin are two who survive and are washed up on an English beach. However, it soon becomes clear that curious changes have come over them and that they have been chosen as protagonists in the eternal struggle between God and the Devil. Salman Rushdie is the author of "Midnight's Children", winner of the 1981 Booker Prize, and "Shame".
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Near Fine except ffep cut out, in Very Good bright unclipped jacket, small tear & crease on rear of jacket. Enchanting narratives, an Arabian nights entertainment. Solid clean tight HB copy. 6-1/2 x 9-1/4, 547 pp.
I remember when this came out in 1988, and was excited to read it in 1999, when I had the time. I got about a quarter of the way through it, and had no idea of what the hell was going on. The only thing I could make out, was someone was falling from an airplane, and I had to read that section, twice. I doubt anyone can actually comprehend what this drivel is about, they just say its 'blasphemous,' because someone else said it.
Ya'want to read a crazy book, go read 'A Clockwork Orange.'
Aarrgghh
Mar 27, 2013
Forget the past and read this book now
This amazingly dense book shot to notoriety due to the "fatwa" pronounced against its author back in the 1980s for supposedly "insulting Islam." While a modest portion of the book is devoted to a nightmare the central character has about how the faith's origins might have played out, it comprises only a tiny bit of the overall sweep of its very compelling drama. This book must be read, and more than once, if the reader is to appreciate the full range of Salman Rushdie's astonishing imagination and ability to construct character, all within a framework of contemporary 1980s life in England. It is not his most accessible work, but well worth reading nonetheless.
Loren S
Oct 27, 2011
Satanic Verses Angelic
Good view from high heavens! Sheds a good deal of light on the extrememly complex interrelationshipa within the Islamic communities. Probably the Fatwah issuers didn't have the slightest comprehension of what the book was about. If they had, they wouldn;t have been so upset by it. On the other hand, people who wish to see things in terms of black and white, usually are upset when asked or forced to see all the shades of gray in betrween. There are not just two sides to every questions as we like to say, there are usually 22 sides to most questions.
Bill W
Jun 9, 2011
GAVE IT AWAY
The book arrived on time in the condition advertised but went downhill from there. I think it was about two men's dreams and thoughts who are destined to die in a terrorist bombing but don't and are reincarnated in-stead. If you enjoy moving between characters but didn't realize it; reading phrases, run-on sentences, non-sentences and having to read and re-read two or three times to understand what you read, this book is for you. I gave it away to a fellow who gave it away to the third "new" owner who is enjoying it.
Joseph V M
Jul 23, 2010
Worthless literature
If there was ever a piece of totally worthless literature, it is this book. Don't waste your time or money.
Better to read "The Critique of Pure Reason" by Kant. At least the Critique would give a good understanding of logic and would help to understand the stupidity and ignorance of middle east thinking.
