Happy birthday, Salman Rushdie! Celebrating the remarkable author's best books
Salman Rushdie is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated authors who have mesmerized the world of literature with his contributions that stand second to none. The famous novelist has won several elusive accolades and titles, with his most recent being the Royal Companion of Honour award which he was conferred at Windsor Castle, England. On his birthday, let's acknowledge his top five books ever.
'The Satanic Verses'
Considered one of the most controversial yet sought-after books written by Rushdie, The Satanic Verses is about a jet bound for London that explodes on the way. Two survivors, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha gradually transform into representations of good and evil respectively. It created a stir in the Muslim community as they issued a fatwa (death sentence) against Rushdie.
'Midnight's Children'
Midnight's Children is one of the most creative and loved works by Rushdie that is popular, even today. It tells us about India's independence from a young boy named Saleem Sinai's perspective who is born the same midnight when the country regained independence. For this stellar book, Rushdie was awarded the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981.
'The Ground Beneath Her Feet'
This one is hailed as a masterpiece. The plot revolves around a famous singer Vina Apsara who is caught up in a devastating earthquake and is never seen again. It is a romantic tale of Apsara and her lover Ormus Cama, narrated by Apsara's sometime lover and Cama's childhood friend Rai. All in all, it is a story of love, death, passion, and culture.
'The Enchantress of Florence'
This book tells the tale of a woman who attempts to live her destiny in a man's world, which is narrated by a man who claims to be her child and calls himself the Mughal of Love. It brings together two worlds that are poles apart - the Mughal capital which is hedonistic and treacherous, and Florence which is sensual and humanist.
'Quichotte'
A modern masterpiece that captures the essence of love and family, Quichotte is a Booker prize-winner that deserves a special honor. Sam DuChamp is a mediocre writer who creates Quichotte - a story about a salesman who falls in love with a TV star.
'Languages of Truth'
Languages of Truth is a combination of essays written by Rushdie between 2003 to 2020 on various subjects. The book offers analytical views on the emergence of literature and culture, rolled up in imagination, beauty, art, wit, truth, and storytelling. Filled with speeches, appreciation, and criticisms, there is no way you would not relate to his golden words. Check out more such book recommendations.
