Possibly the most daunting book I’ve ever read. Not for its size or its content but simply because of the prose. Rushdie does not write in a way that causes your eyes to glide across the page, quite the opposite. You’ll stop and stagger, not just within sentences but paragraphs, events will be mentioned that require context that you most likely don’t have and occasionally words are used that you most likely don’t understand.
And after saying all of that, I was compelled to read every chapter and page of this book, sometimes multiple times. Why? Simply put, it’s magical. The story, the narration – even despite its frustrating elements – is charming, the characters are fantastical. The story is set in pre-partition India and really kicks off during the partition itself. The story is difficult to follow and sometimes hard to stomach but it weaves between fiction and reality with silken fingers.
If you are reading this book or thinking of reading it in the future, I would implore you not to give up. This book is worth it and given time it will show you why it is so beloved.