Cinnamon Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Sorry to be late in starting the chat off for this months book I had never read a book by Rushdie before,always thinking that I would dislike his writing because I don't really like him much as a man. I am sorry to say that I was right, & I didn't like this book at all, altho ugh I am glad that I gave it a go. I found it far too wordy & sort of pretentious ,& too much like hard work for me! I do hope some of the others out there enjoyed it more that I did though,as I think the story sounded interesting from the brief synopsis on the back cover I look forward to reading more comments......................................... The next book to read is 'I know Why the Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 I read this a few years ago while I could still read novels instead of relying on audio books. I remember loving it but not much about it I'm afraid. I can't listen to Salman Rushdie on audio as he's one of those authors who insists on reading their own books and I can't listen to him, he just doesn't keep my attention! Hope someone else enjoyed it. Thanks for starting off the thread Cinnamon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 I tried to read it when it first came out but gave up quite quickly. I am sure I still have it somewhere and intended to dig it out to read, but didn't. I think I must have subconsciously decided I really could not face it. However I could be persuaded if comments are favourable? I've read Atonement instead - I was gripped and now want to see the film Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 I attempted to read this years ago when it first came out. Abandoned it quite quickly I'm afraid. Grossly over-rated writer, with a touch of Emperor's New Clothes about him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 I think I sort of subconsciously (sp?) forgot to read this book as I just don't like the man - can't even tell you why really. Feel very bad admitting it I think he is my Gary Rhodes literary equivalent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 I read this book when it was first published, probably more than 20 years ago now I absolutely loved it, I think it is a classic, not only did it win the Booker that year but has just won the Booker of Bookers award. I loved the idea, the mystical magical elements in the book, and also the easily understood 30 years of Indian politics. I have neither the time nor the inclination to read it again, I also can't stand Mr. Rushdie, and I also have no idea why, except I think he is arrogant beyond. It's a bit like Mick Hucknall, most people really dislike him but have no clue why they feel like that. Anyway, great book choice, a bit of a challenging read, but well worth the effort imho. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 I read 4 chapters and gave up Theu guy the book was about STILL hadn't even been born and I couldn't take any more descriptions of noses Very few books defeat me I may try again but no time soon I just wanted the story proper to start I'm sure if I could get into it I would probably enjoy it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 I am about 20 pages in and very tempted to give up, it has stopped me reading anything else this month, but I have found it hard to pick this up rather than my many back copies of BBC Good Food which I have been bringing in a few at a time from the summerhouse where some of them have been for 6-7 years. Don't think that I will read anymore of it at the moment will maybe revisit it later in life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Pudding Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 Oh heck, I had hoped you would all enjoy this one - it's my favourite book and that's why I suggested it. I love it for the crazy story, wonderful description of people, places and events and most of all the voices. The way Salman Rushdie writes I can hear them clear as crystal in my head. It isn't an easy read so probably not one for the beach, but I think it more than repays the effort. I agree with those who posted that they cannot find it in themselves to like Salman Rushdie himself, he doesn't come across as likeable. However there is an absolutely lovely book of children's stories - Haroun and the sea of stories - that he wrote for his son, which he wrote while he was in hiding after the Satanic Verses was published. It's an easier read and I think shows a nicer side to him. I'm not what you'd call a Rushdie fan, I haven't read everything he's written as some of the books are just too much like hard going. I tried the Satanic Verses to see what all the fuss was about and didn't get very far. But Midnight's Children I always found magical and wonderful, I'm so sorry that others don't feel the same! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted October 7, 2008 Author Share Posted October 7, 2008 Helen, its great to try out something new - thats what the book group is all about There have been books choosen that I would never have picked up,but I have loved. Diversity is the key! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted October 7, 2008 Share Posted October 7, 2008 Absolutely Cinnamon the whole point is that you will not like all of the books chosen I am annoyed with myself that I gave up not with the choice of the book I predict 95% of you won't like my choice when you get to it Mind you the way things are going I won't get to see your comments see bad news thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted October 7, 2008 Share Posted October 7, 2008 Next time I'm at the library I will look for it and if its there I will borrow it. I do feel bad for not even trying to read it. After all its him that I don't like, the book might be perfectly okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faye&Ant Posted October 7, 2008 Share Posted October 7, 2008 Yeah sorry guys this one wasn't for me. Looking forward to this months as I havent heard of it before and will hopefully start it in a couple of days when my current book is finished Faye x (where has my signature gone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted October 8, 2008 Share Posted October 8, 2008 I'm deliberately not reading any comments as I haven't managed to get this book from the library yet. After several weeks, all the Birmingham copies are still out. Apparantly it's also the book of the month for a local book group, so the very nice (and rather cute) young man at my local branch tells me! I've started October's book and hope to catch up with this later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Only just seen this thread... I read this book last year and like a lot of people, found the first few chapters a bit pretentious and over wordy. I'm so glad to have persevered though because I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's such a richly interwoven tale... I haven't read anything else by him so I'm not sure if it's typical of his work but I'm tempted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Only just seen this thread... I read this book last year and like a lot of people, found the first few chapters a bit pretentious and over wordy. I'm so glad to have persevered though because I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's such a richly interwoven tale... I haven't read anything else by him so I'm not sure if it's typical of his work but I'm tempted! I'm really glad that someone else has enjoyed this. I was really jealous that I couldn't find a version on audio (not read by Salman Rushdie), so that I could re-read it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
