Midnight's Children is widely regarded for its vibrant storytelling, complex narrative structure, and its blending of fantasy and reality. It was a critical success, hailed as one of the most important works of postcolonial literature.
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, first published in 1981, is a landmark novel that blends historical fiction, magic realism, and political commentary. It is considered one of Rushdie's most significant works and won the Booker Prize in 1981, along with the Booker of Bookers in 2008 and 2018.
The novel is set against the backdrop of India's independence from British rule in 1947, and its central narrative revolves around Saleem Sinai, a child born at the exact moment of India's independence. This gives Saleem and other children born in the first hour of independence special powers. The story follows Saleem’s life and the intertwining fates of the other "Midnight's Children," each of whom has a unique ability tied to their birth.
The novel explores themes of national identity, the complexities of post-colonial India, and the intersection of personal and political histories. It delves deeply into the impact of historical events on individual lives, especially the political upheavals and struggles that India faces post-independence.
Published on by eBooks