Midnight's Children: A Novel (Modern Library 100 Best Novels)
The iconic masterpiece of India that introduced the world to “a glittering novelist—one with startling imaginative and intellectual resources, a master of perpetual storytelling” (The New Yorker)
WINNER OF THE BEST OF THE BOOKERS • SOON TO BE A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time • The fortieth anniversary edition, featuring a new introduction by the author
Saleem Sinai is born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the very moment of India’s independence. Greeted by fireworks displays, cheering crowds, and Prime Minister Nehru himself, Saleem grows up to learn the ominous consequences of this coincidence. His every act is mirrored and magnified in events that sway the course of national affairs; his health and well-being are inextricably bound to those of his nation; his life is inseparable, at times indistinguishable, from the history of his country. Perhaps most remarkable are the telepathic powers linking him with India’s 1,000 other “midnight’s children,” all born in that initial hour and endowed with magical gifts.
This novel is at once a fascinating family saga and an astonishing evocation of a vast land and its people–a brilliant incarnation of the universal human comedy. Forty years after its publication, Midnight’s Children stands apart as both an epochal work of fiction and a brilliant performance by one of the great literary voices of our time.
WINNER OF THE BEST OF THE BOOKERS • SOON TO BE A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time • The fortieth anniversary edition, featuring a new introduction by the author
Saleem Sinai is born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the very moment of India’s independence. Greeted by fireworks displays, cheering crowds, and Prime Minister Nehru himself, Saleem grows up to learn the ominous consequences of this coincidence. His every act is mirrored and magnified in events that sway the course of national affairs; his health and well-being are inextricably bound to those of his nation; his life is inseparable, at times indistinguishable, from the history of his country. Perhaps most remarkable are the telepathic powers linking him with India’s 1,000 other “midnight’s children,” all born in that initial hour and endowed with magical gifts.
This novel is at once a fascinating family saga and an astonishing evocation of a vast land and its people–a brilliant incarnation of the universal human comedy. Forty years after its publication, Midnight’s Children stands apart as both an epochal work of fiction and a brilliant performance by one of the great literary voices of our time.
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Community Reviews
Even though the other 2 books I read of his were wonderful, this one was too wordy, it gave me a headache - and that is what is in a book WORDS! I just didn't care for it.
I just finished this book,, and ran straight to the computer, searched reviews and views, and here I am, reading your thoughts on the novel.(already read I mean)
Well I am from India, the place where most of the action from the novel takes place, and I can say that I didnt find the book as difficult as some readers express; lengthy, though, it is.
Reading the reviews and hearing the views, as I settle back in my chair and contemplate my own experience, I could say that, for me too, the book has been more of an experience than a joy of reading. Ofcourse, it has so much to say as far as the history, mythology and culture of the subcontinent is concerned. And yes, the author has spent much creative energy in exhibiting a style of his own. And then the gamut of characters really.
As far as I am concerned, I could not enjoy this book as much, didnt stir me from inside, couldnt connect with my I dont know what, perhaps for the reason that too much of dramatic happenings, too much of action, starts taking away the essential space for your own thought process to unfold and connect with the essential nature of the piece of art you come across or the book you hold on for days and eyes fixed on the page to get your being requited somewhere.
There is a writing which is the result of a clear conviction born out of an emotional depth irrespective of the genres it is weaved in; and there is writing which is more a product of a sleight of hand and talent.
Midnight's Children is, I am afraid, for me a book of the latter category.
Not taking away the book's assured promise of the magic box contents, it nonetheless would not matter a great deal to leave it for a single reading.
Well I am from India, the place where most of the action from the novel takes place, and I can say that I didnt find the book as difficult as some readers express; lengthy, though, it is.
Reading the reviews and hearing the views, as I settle back in my chair and contemplate my own experience, I could say that, for me too, the book has been more of an experience than a joy of reading. Ofcourse, it has so much to say as far as the history, mythology and culture of the subcontinent is concerned. And yes, the author has spent much creative energy in exhibiting a style of his own. And then the gamut of characters really.
As far as I am concerned, I could not enjoy this book as much, didnt stir me from inside, couldnt connect with my I dont know what, perhaps for the reason that too much of dramatic happenings, too much of action, starts taking away the essential space for your own thought process to unfold and connect with the essential nature of the piece of art you come across or the book you hold on for days and eyes fixed on the page to get your being requited somewhere.
There is a writing which is the result of a clear conviction born out of an emotional depth irrespective of the genres it is weaved in; and there is writing which is more a product of a sleight of hand and talent.
Midnight's Children is, I am afraid, for me a book of the latter category.
Not taking away the book's assured promise of the magic box contents, it nonetheless would not matter a great deal to leave it for a single reading.
WOW!! I had to re-read the last page out loud, it was so poetic. It took me a long time to get through this book. While I was never bored with the book, I did lose patience with it. There were many days that I couldn't get through more than 10 pages, but I didn't give up and it was worth it! This is my first Salman Rushdie read, and I really love his prose. I'm excited to try another, I hope he has one that's less than 500 pages....
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