SALMAN RUSHDIE – THE SATANIC VERSES

The Satanic Verses… a book that I finished reading recently. Once the book was finished, I felt the need to write about both the book and the author.

Salman Rushdie, born in 1947, is a British Indian novelist, with a huge international readership and an extensive bibliography. In this book, which is one his older ones, he is leading the way on a trip in the dirty inner-workings of humanity and the margins of society. Rushdie is highly instructive writer, a man way ahead of his time with a vision and major humanitarian messages.

The book is full of contrasts and many ”pictures” from India to London. It takes you on a journey through extremely different situations, from luxurious villas to dungeons in the basements. From open-minded and interesting people to racists and nationalists. It is a book which comments critically on the contrasts of society, on racism and the status quo. Due to this book Rushdie was sentenced to fatwa (death sentence) by Islamic fundamentalists .

The book was initially published in 1988 and rightly so it belongs in the books that stood out the most throughout the years. It’s themes are more current than ever. By means of literary mastery and allegorical stories the author condemns religions, racism, nationalism and the selfishness of those, who at any given time are to blame for the setback of humanity and for intensifying the differences between people.

When I finally manage to finish that challenge-of-a-book, I was smiling for hours and I felt a sense of hope growing in me. Hope for a better future that is. I highly recommend this amazing book. It is probably the best book I have read so far. If everyone reads this book, the world might be a better place.