Midnight’s Children is the sort of novel that defies an easy explanation. It’s magical, but I wouldn’t classify it as a fantasy. Though set in India and certainly an Indian novel, it was written in English and is very approachable to readers of different cultures. It’s a long book, and dense, but not especially difficult read.
The book follows a character born at the exact moment of India’s independence, and traces the rich history of that region along with the narrator’s own story (and that of his family.) Written in the first person, the narrator evokes everything from humor to heartbreak. The novel’s characters weave a rich tapestry that shows some of the diversity of the region at that time.
As an subjective telling of history, the novel unfolds in a circular pattern, accustoming readers to ideas more slowly and also repeating symbolic elements. On the one hand, it worked well, but when it felt repetitive I was reminded of the length and got a bit impatient. Overall, I would recommend this book widely, and consider it the sort of contemporary novel that may stand the test of time. (8.5/10 | interact on goodreads)
I love, love, love Salman Rushdie. Midnight’s Children might be my favorite of his, though The Moor’s Last Sigh was also incredible. His children’s book – Haroun and the Sea of Stories is also really excellent, though you may want to preread it to make sure your kids would like it. I love how his books read like poetry.