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Victory City

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Book Brief

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Salman Rushdie

Victory City

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern India • Medieval World

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Victory City by Salman Rushdie is framed as a translation of a fictional Sanskrit epic, narrating the story of the rise and fall of the Bisnaga Empire in southern India. The protagonist, Pampa Kampana, endowed with magical powers by a goddess, helps establish Bisnaga and aspires to create a society with gender equality, while navigating complex relationships, political intrigue, and familial tensions over generations. The book contains mentions of sexual abuse and misogyny.

Fantastical

Mysterious

Adventurous

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.1

14,646 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Salman Rushdie's Victory City has garnered praise for its imaginative narrative and intricate storytelling. Readers appreciate the novel's rich, historical detail and Rushdie's masterful prose. However, some critics note that its complexity may challenge those unfamiliar with the author's dense and layered style. Overall, it is celebrated as a profound and engaging literary work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Victory City?

Readers who would enjoy Salman Rushdie’s Victory City are those who appreciate rich, multi-layered narratives and magical realism. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude or Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits will find similar enchantment and historical depth. Ideal for lovers of epic tales blended with myth and history.

4.1

14,646 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Pampa Kampana

A central figure who is imbued with magical powers granting her the ability to create the city of Bisnaga, shaped by her experiences and visions for a society where women are treated as equals. Her life is a journey from trauma and loss to one of significant influence and storytelling.

A king in the story who fluctuates between progressive ideas and reactionary politics, often driven by his strong sense of self-importance. His relationships with his wives, Pampa's influence, and his decisions shape much of Bisnaga's political landscape.

The descendant of Pampa's family, representing a link to the past and providing Pampa an opportunity for redemption. Her life brings with it challenges and reminds Pampa of her responsibilities and limitations as a matriarch.

A religious hermit who becomes a significant antagonist in Pampa's life, known for the profound and lasting harm he causes her. He symbolizes the oppressive and reactionary forces that challenge Pampa's vision for a progressive society.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southern India • Medieval World

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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