52 pages • 1 hour read
The Satanic Verses
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Book Brief
576
Novel • Fiction
India And England • 1980s
1988
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie follows Bollywood actor Gibreel Farishta and voice actor Saladin Chamcha, who survive a terrorist bombing on a flight from India to the UK and undergo supernatural transformations: Gibreel becomes an angel, and Saladin a demon. The narrative intertwines their journey with dream sequences involving Mahound, an allegory of the Prophet Muhammad, and various other characters. The novel caused significant controversy due to its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad.
Mysterious
Challenging
Fantastical
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
72,019 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Critics praise The Satanic Verses for its imaginative storytelling and cultural commentary, blending fantasy with real-world issues. However, some find its narrative complex and challenging, potentially alienating readers unfamiliar with its references. Despite controversy, it remains a notable work in modern literature for its bold themes and literary ambition.
Who Should Read The Satanic Verses?
A reader who would enjoy Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses is likely interested in complex, thought-provoking narratives that blend magical realism with political and cultural commentary. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Haruki Murakami's works would find it similarly compelling.
72,019 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gibreel Farishta
Gibreel Farishta
A famous Indian actor who wrestles with peculiar dreams and visions affecting his sense of reality and personal identity.
Alleluia Cone
Alleluia Cone
An acclaimed English-Polish mountain climber known for summiting Everest without supplemental oxygen, whose life intersects dramatically with Gibreel's.
Ayesha
Ayesha
A pivotal figure in one of Gibreel's dreams, known for her strong convictions and leading her town on a spiritual pilgrimage.
Pamela Lovelace
Pamela Lovelace
Saladin's English wife, who shares with him a complex relationship influenced by each of their cultural dissatisfactions.
Mahound
Mahound
A character in one of Gibreel's dreams, based on a historical figure, whose story involves the founding of a new religion and reflects upon themes of power and belief.
576
Novel • Fiction
India And England • 1980s
1988
Adult
18+ years
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