As someone born and brought up in Rushdie's beloved Bombay, this book holds a special place in my heart. He captures the soul of the city & the country very well, but it can be frustrating for someone unknown to the country and it's culture though.

I just started following you after listening to your review on Lolita (which I'm reading currently). Disappointed to see that this was your last video, 2 years back. Please come back :(

This is one of my favourite books, but I totally could relate to your frustration with some aspects of Midnight's Children. It's one of the few books that I instantly started rereading as soon as I finished. When I reread it I went a lot slower and took the time to look up historical references on wikipedia and I found the book really came together for me in a brilliant way the second time through, so hopefully you might feel the same way if you ever revisit this book!

It’s important when reading longer books like this to just enjoy the language and storytelling and try not to think about where it’s going too much. The joy is in the journey not the destination. Honestly I wish the book would last forever haha

"impressed, but annoyed" pretty much sums up my reaction too,

I wish I had found this channel sooner. You should be more well known- your reviews are fantastic. I love how your analyses are definitely more than skin-deep looks at the works you read. Well done!

I am an Indian, And according to me, this book captures Indian History with a new perspective, but for someone not from Indian origins It might be a lot harder to understand..... It's a booker Prize winner though, And Also has a movie based on it.

I read this book. The trick to enjoying it is rereading random parts as you progress through the book. There are just too many intricate details to keep in mind and this made it fascinating and intricate.

I also found this book oddly difficult to read. Honestly put it down about halfway through. I dont know exactly what turned me off to it, but the idea that not knowing much about the history of India is interesting. My favorite novel is A Hundred Years of Solitude and I know next to nothing about Columbian history, but I still love it. I think the difference is Solitude has such a purposeful timeless quality to it, like it's not taking place in any particular part of history while directly Columbias history, but Midnight Children so tied to India's history it just acts as a barrier if you are not familiar with it

I completely agree with almost every point and I am sooooo glad to have found your review because felt like I'd failed as a reader when I really struggled with this book ahaha

You and I didn't have the same experience reading this book, but I consider this a great review because your points are intelligent and well-founded on the book. I liked how you said Salim's annoying traits as a narrator were probably intentional. One thing like about this novel in general is that Rushdie isn't afraid of intentionally including negative aspects like "the performative narration of Salim" to make his point.

Thank you for your review. However, I think the book is amazing!!

This book can be a lot to take in for someone trying to enjoy it without the historical and cultural context. The book spans multiple generations, multiple languages, multiple religions, multiple countries etc all of which have to be learned side by side to make sense of what the author is trying to convey. I have seen many positive reviews of this book by Brits who I think understand post-colonial literature well because their own history is intertwined with that of many other countries. Naturally, they would experience it a little better than Americans. As suggested by a few others, it's worth spending some time researching all the events described there or perhaps inviting a person w/ more historical or cultural context to read it with you.

Wasn't expecting much going into this review but you did great. I shared most of your complaints with the book although to a lesser extent. I like your attention to characters and the author's motives. Great review!

I tried reading Rushdie's "Enchantress of Florence," which has a similar focal structure of storytelling. I got about 300 pages in before I realized I was completely lost in the book! Way to stick with it. Hopefully I can be inspired.

Awesome!

Where have you gone?

I just finished this - took me three months lol. I think it was worth it, parts are a slog 100% (verbose tangents were hard to read) but I was already thinking about when I'll reread it so that's a good sign. I think when you read it you just have to accept that you don't know the historical figures because for the most part it works itself out later and doesn't matter hugely. I did google just to confirm that crazy shit actually happened. Sometimes while reading the really good parts through, it felt like I was stumbling forward and couldn't stop reading. Overall agree with you but just liked how these elements worked in the story.

Now I’m sure as heck going to pick it up

I'm currently reading this novel and heading towards the finish line (up to pg.450). I really like how you explain your feelings/frustrations with the novel because I am feeling the same way. The narrator rambles way too much about utter nonsense. He's too full of his self-importance. It's like being stuck on a 10 hour flight with someone jabbering about every single detail-- important or not-- about their life nonstop as if it is the most important thing in the world. I guess I can see how the author tries to connect the narrator's life with India's history, but it is a little bit too crazy and nonsensical. Noses, spittoons, uh...jeez, and just get to the point narrator...lol. I know many people love this book and hold it dearly to their hearts, but to me it is pretty overrated. I'm sure there's better books about India's history. Anyhow, I enjoyed your review. :)

Well, he ain't no Grisham. Things ultimately get surreal and if you don't have that approach, then you'll suffer.

I'll discuss it in my dissertation as a case study.... Any help! 😔

I’m finding it so hard to finish... I don’t care about any of the characters and I’m 50% way through .. 🤦🏽‍♂️

I have really stayed away from Rushdie because I always assumed his writing would be way over my head and really academic. I think I may skip this but I enjoyed the review anyway!

It's Booker of Booker prize winner book

Unfortunately I couldn't get through it. I read 200 pages and couldn't get into what was going on. I just didn't care half the time. I've come to the conclusion that Rushdie doesn't really care if the reader understands or not. He feels like if you picked this book up it's because you know what's going on. He's on a totally other plane. Not my cup of tea. I'm glad to see you got through it. John Fowles is like that in The French Lieutenant's Woman. He keeps talking the reader information as if he thinks the reader is dumb. Annoying. The main character is arrogant like Rushdie. Bravo Mickey! You're a real trooper. EXCELLENT REVIEW! Sometimes I think I should just reread it one day.... I feel I'd rather read other Indian writers like Rohinton Mistry. But who knows...

I get your point....never read pynchon, u will feel so frustrated

All you need is to study hard pal!!! The popcorn books that you yearn every time to read will only hinder the capability to undertake arduous paths of rich literary writings. No doubt, Rushdie, Marquez, Proust... are not for you. Paulo Coelho may suit you.

You said the same thing again and again, that you don't like the narrator, just like the book. I totally hate your review.