78 pages • 2 hours read
Haroun and the Sea of Stories
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Book Brief
216
Novel • Fiction
Alifbay • Contemporary Fantasy World
1990
Middle grade
10-14 years
940L
Super Short Summary
Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie follows Haroun Khalifa, whose father, Rashid, loses his storytelling ability after his wife leaves him. Haroun discovers a water genie named Iff has taken Rashid's gift and travels with Iff to the moon Kahani to retrieve it. There, they confront the evil ruler Khattam-Shud, who plans to silence all stories. Haroun ultimately restores his father's creativity and his family's happiness.
Fantastical
Adventurous
Playful
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
38,078 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories is praised for its imaginative narrative and vibrant storytelling, appealing to both children and adults. Reviewers appreciate its whimsical prose and underlying themes of freedom of speech and the power of storytelling. However, some criticize its simplicity and predictability. Overall, it's considered a charming and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Haroun and the Sea of Stories?
A reader who enjoys Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie would likely appreciate whimsical and imaginative tales, much like fans of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series or Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Ideal for those who savor rich allegorical narratives and magical realism within a fantastical framework.
38,078 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Haroun
Haroun
A young, curious boy who embarks on a journey to restore his father’s storytelling abilities, facing numerous challenges and discovering the importance of stories.
Iff the Water Genie
Iff the Water Genie
A whimsical water genie responsible for managing the Sea of Stories, teaming up with Haroun on his quest and adding humor to the narrative through wordplay.
Rashid
Rashid
Known as “The Ocean of Notions” or “Shah of Blah,” he is Haroun’s father, a gifted storyteller whose talent becomes impaired, leading him into a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Khattam-Shud
Khattam-Shud
The antagonist and ruler of the land of Chup who despises stories, plotting to destroy the Sea of Stories and silence creativity.
216
Novel • Fiction
Alifbay • Contemporary Fantasy World
1990
Middle grade
10-14 years
940L
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