I read this book in high school and remember loving it even though it was difficult, but I'm sure that I didn't appreciate nearly enough of what was going on in the book because, you know, high school. The other downside is that now I don't remember much about the book at all, so I'll probably need to reread it at some point.
I love your reviews. Very full. Midnight's Children was my first Rushdie book (I think I read it because of its Booker Prize), and I found it extremely enjoyable. The way he plays with the sound of words reminded me of Lolita a little. I also didn't know the history he told, but didn't feel left out at all because of the the way he brought it all together. It led me on a journey through a lot of his other books for several years. If you liked this and A Hundred Years of Solitude, I highly recommend Mo Yan's Life and Death are Wearing Me Out.
You did it! Yay! I was very curious to hear what you had to say about this one, and I just did. I couldn't agree more on so many levels. Depending on each individual reader's approach to different genres, one might look at novels like this and conclude it's a helluva brick of a book, but look at other such gems, for instance Amitav Ghosh's Ibis trilogy (Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, and Flood of Fire). So much knowledge, history, and wealth. Maybe not for the faint-hearted, but excellent books nonetheless. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
It's a good one to listen too - I found a gentleman on TH-cam - Dr. Hibb who narrated the book in segments. Sometimes I had to backtrack a bit when my mind wandered. It's funny because I recently listened to 100 years of solitude and while I was listening to MC I thought there was a link and you mentioned that Rushdie had used it as inspiration. Have to say 100 Years of Solitude was my favorite of the two. Thanks for the review. And you are right, it does take a while to get into.
Great review!. I came to this book having read the obituary of D.M. Thomas recently. His book was shortlisted behind Midnight's Children I'm going to read that next and then finally after owning it for 10 years, 100 years of Solitude). I also felt like another commentator, that I was well ready for the book to end. Their is little doubt that Rushdie is an amazing writer. However, despite admiring his talent in story and character and keeping the million characters straight and teaching me the history of India and Pakistan, I felt like he was showing off and spinning around me on a unicycle, sometimes uncessarily.
The writing is sublime but I have never wanted to finish a book more than this one. I'm not a fan of magic realism in general though, so it was hard work for something I wasn't enjoying. I can see how it is excellent though.
Have you read A Suitable Boy by a Vikram Seth? One of my fav rereads every few years. I grabbed Midnights Children a few months ago but haven’t read yet and your review has sparked my interest
I give you credit Roro-everyone I know who has attempted to read this has given up. I have a friend who adores One Hundred Years of Solitude, and he has said to me, to not bother with Midnight's Children. I have a Mass Market Paperback of the novel in a box somewhere. Dare I seek it out?
Dennis I warned you… my favorite Rushdie is the Haroun one…recall enjoying reading that to my son way back when…that would have been the 8oclock children…
Good review. I've just finished it. I bought this after a recommendation even though after trying to read Satanic Verses and gave up, I said I wouldn't read anymore of Rushdie. In the first chapter I thought it was going to be just as horrible but then if started to feel like it gad a story. I was hooked from there. I no longer found it difficult at all. I didn't know that much about the history either and to be honest I wasn't sure how much to believe in a magical realizam book and found myself reading through some of it quickly. Now I know that it was fact I feel I need to read it again. I have also read 1000 days of solitude and can see the influence but 1000 days did it better.
Thanks for your wonderful review. I do agree with you on almost every single point. Interesting, but challenging. Poetic , philosophical but worldly and practical to a point. Makes you learn lots of new stuff, dive into an unfamiliar culture. Very often… annoying since you have no idea what is what, who is who and what he is talking about. I was dead sure I wouldn’t finish it. And enjoyed it or …. Am I just proud of my own self to be able to get thru it. Happy I did
I just finished reading this book, which was quite a feat. I almost gave up halfway through. I agree - it’s great book but not an easy read. It is not as hard as Joyce but certainly harder than 100 years of Solitude.
Maybe Günter Grass' Tin Drum. Totally different subject, though. Nothing really prepares you for it. Just finished it myself. Guess you just have to climb that Mountain to enjoy the views...
@@angrybucket TRhanks for the suggestion! I ll put it on my list. Im german speaking so I guess it makes sense to go for that version. 2/3 through Shame so far and Im enjoying it quite a bit.
I read this book in high school and remember loving it even though it was difficult, but I'm sure that I didn't appreciate nearly enough of what was going on in the book because, you know, high school. The other downside is that now I don't remember much about the book at all, so I'll probably need to reread it at some point.
I love your reviews. Very full. Midnight's Children was my first Rushdie book (I think I read it because of its Booker Prize), and I found it extremely enjoyable. The way he plays with the sound of words reminded me of Lolita a little. I also didn't know the history he told, but didn't feel left out at all because of the the way he brought it all together. It led me on a journey through a lot of his other books for several years. If you liked this and A Hundred Years of Solitude, I highly recommend Mo Yan's Life and Death are Wearing Me Out.
It’s going on the list!
You did it! Yay! I was very curious to hear what you had to say about this one, and I just did. I couldn't agree more on so many levels. Depending on each individual reader's approach to different genres, one might look at novels like this and conclude it's a helluva brick of a book, but look at other such gems, for instance Amitav Ghosh's Ibis trilogy (Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, and Flood of Fire). So much knowledge, history, and wealth. Maybe not for the faint-hearted, but excellent books nonetheless. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
I agree, a brilliant book that I wish was more accessible to the general public. The average reader is going to find this near impossible to grok.
It's a good one to listen too - I found a gentleman on TH-cam - Dr. Hibb who narrated the book in segments. Sometimes I had to backtrack a bit when my mind wandered.
It's funny because I recently listened to 100 years of solitude and while I was listening to MC I thought there was a link and you mentioned that Rushdie had used it as inspiration. Have to say 100 Years of Solitude was my favorite of the two. Thanks for the review. And you are right, it does take a while to get into.
Great review!. I came to this book having read the obituary of D.M. Thomas recently. His book was shortlisted behind Midnight's Children I'm going to read that next and then finally after owning it for 10 years, 100 years of Solitude). I also felt like another commentator, that I was well ready for the book to end. Their is little doubt that Rushdie is an amazing writer.
However, despite admiring his talent in story and character and keeping the million characters straight and teaching me the history of India and Pakistan, I felt like he was showing off and spinning around me on a unicycle, sometimes uncessarily.
The writing is sublime but I have never wanted to finish a book more than this one. I'm not a fan of magic realism in general though, so it was hard work for something I wasn't enjoying. I can see how it is excellent though.
Man, just discovered your videos and it really made my day ! You seem so passionate and that’s really so nice to listen. Love from France !
Whey! Thanks. Your comments made my day! Welcome :)
This is helpful. I started it and stopped pretty quickly. I just wasn't ready to work at it. I'll try again because this should be a book for me.
It's ok. Lots of people just don't want to know or want to understand Asian culture. Especially about countries around India.
@@ministersormonsters I love books set in India. I just find Rushdie's prose challenging to read.
Never heard of it before 🙈 putting it on my tbr list!
This book will live with me.
Have you read A Suitable Boy by a Vikram Seth? One of my fav rereads every few years. I grabbed Midnights Children a few months ago but haven’t read yet and your review has sparked my interest
I haven’t. But I’m going to give it a google. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on midnights children if you do give it a go.
Can't wait to read this now.
Still have that paperback with the purple cover… perhaps 🤔but probably not…
That is the copy I have.
I give you credit Roro-everyone I know who has attempted to read this has given up. I have a friend who adores One Hundred Years of Solitude, and he has said to me, to not bother with Midnight's Children. I have a Mass Market Paperback of the novel in a box somewhere. Dare I seek it out?
Ooo! I dare you hahaha!
Dennis I warned you… my favorite Rushdie is the Haroun one…recall enjoying reading that to my son way back when…that would have been the 8oclock children…
Wow! Spot on! Excellent review!
Good review. I've just finished it. I bought this after a recommendation even though after trying to read Satanic Verses and gave up, I said I wouldn't read anymore of Rushdie.
In the first chapter I thought it was going to be just as horrible but then if started to feel like it gad a story. I was hooked from there. I no longer found it difficult at all.
I didn't know that much about the history either and to be honest I wasn't sure how much to believe in a magical realizam book and found myself reading through some of it quickly. Now I know that it was fact I feel I need to read it again.
I have also read 1000 days of solitude and can see the influence but 1000 days did it better.
India's independence was the worst thing to have hapoened to both countries.
Thanks for your wonderful review. I do agree with you on almost every single point. Interesting, but challenging. Poetic , philosophical but worldly and practical to a point. Makes you learn lots of new stuff, dive into an unfamiliar culture. Very often… annoying since you have no idea what is what, who is who and what he is talking about. I was dead sure I wouldn’t finish it. And enjoyed it or …. Am I just proud of my own self to be able to get thru it. Happy I did
Roro…Very impressive review 👍but change your cap por favor ☘️
Hahahaahah! It gets too much mileage needs a wash haha
Only one team matters to Roro and they are playing the Pacers tonight.
I just finished reading this book, which was quite a feat. I almost gave up halfway through. I agree - it’s great book but not an easy read. It is not as hard as Joyce but certainly harder than 100 years of Solitude.
If you cant recommend this one for people who want to get 'into it', which book(s) would you recommend in preparation for this one?
That’s a great question. I’ll have a think a get back to you.
Since reading this book I have read Shame by Rushdie… and I think that’s it’s still a challenging read but a lot easier to get into than this book.
Maybe Günter Grass' Tin Drum. Totally different subject, though. Nothing really prepares you for it. Just finished it myself. Guess you just have to climb that Mountain to enjoy the views...
@@angrybucket TRhanks for the suggestion! I ll put it on my list. Im german speaking so I guess it makes sense to go for that version.
2/3 through Shame so far and Im enjoying it quite a bit.
TBR += Midnight's Children
😅