Reviews

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Only show reviews with written explanations

nickedkins's review against another edition

4.0

For me, a successful piece of magical realism is possible when the constraints and opportunities for the characters are set in some impossible way, which you promptly forget is artificial and become invested in. This is absolutely the case with the way the Midnight's Children can hear each other's voices, and is even mostly the case with the special powers of the main characters. At the end, when we learn about the rush of powers possessed by other Midnight's Children, it did all seem a bit artificial, but it didn't matter so much at that point. Within the world established at the start, it was a lot of fun to watch Saleem buffeted around by the various voices in his life.

babyseagull's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

tashaseegmiller's review against another edition

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5.0

There's a reason it's the Best of the Booker. This epic tale merges the life of an individual (or a couple) along with the ebbs and flows of a nation. It's funny and ridiculous and poignant and heartfelt and absurd and magical. It is not a fast read.

sereny's review against another edition

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challenging reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

korl's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Absolutely beautiful book. The prose was insane and the metaphors?!?! 🤌🤌

Padma is the audience self insert and she was sorely needed. "Just get on with it Saleem!" This is the type of book that begs you to just let go and follow along, and once I did that I really loved it. My only issue was that i had such high inertia to each reading session :(

Pickles and Jamila Singer were amazing metaphors for life & Pakistan. The conversations my bookclub had about this book were so wonderful 😊