Rushdie’s most famous novel is “Midnight’s Children,” published in 1981. The book tells the story of two boys born in the same hospital in Bombay at the exact time of India’s independence from British rule. The novel is a reflection of Rushdie’s own experiences living in India as a child and the political turmoil that followed independence.
In 1988, Rushdie published another novel, “The Satanic Verses,” which sparked controversy and forced the author into hiding for several years. The book was seen as blasphemous by some members of the Muslim community and led to a fatwa, a religious ruling that called for Rushdie’s death. Rushdie spent much of the 1990s under police protection before the fatwa was finally lifted in 1998.
Despite the controversy surrounding “The Satanic Verses,” Rushdie continued to write and publish works on subjects that reflected his background and experiences. He is known for his unique style of writing that blends the traditional narrative, historical fiction, and fantastical elements.
In 2013, Rushdie published “Joseph Anton,” a memoir that detailed his experiences during the fatwa. The book was named after the pseudonym Rushdie used during his time in hiding.
Overall, Salman Rushdie has had a profound impact on contemporary literature through his exploration of themes such as identity, religion, and politics. He remains a highly respected figure in the literary world and his works are still widely read and studied today.