seanm's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
eastside's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
lizardkidd's review against another edition
4.0
This is the story of two men struggling with their faith, families, and the lines between good and evil. The book takes you on a journey through both mens lives, Saladin Chamcha, “the man of a thousand voices” and Gibreel Farishta, the legendary Indian movie star. Their journey ventures from Bombay to London, through Love and loss, and what’s right and wrong.
At the beginning I found it hard to concentrate and lock in, as the book leaps between both men’s stories, including their visions and dreams, making it confusing, as time frames change with each vision/dream.
After this momentary hurdle, I found myself connecting to both characters, and their stories, and I would plead with anyone who starts the book, (if they too, find it a difficult book to get into) to persist. You will be rewarded.
A lot has to be said for Rushdie’s writing. His descriptions and abundant detailing of scenes, puts the reader inside many amazing landscapes. His short but precise detailing of characters was just enough to outline and bring out particular features which stuck with me, and created a memorable picture.
Finally, would I recommend? Absolutely. Most people would have heard of this book before reading, and regardless of the backlash and critics - it’s a piece of classic storytelling, which would be a shame to miss out on.
bibliotequeish's review against another edition
3.0
I did not realize that this book would dip in and out of dreams and visions.
I did not realize that it was a fantastical and magical story.
Had I know this prior to reading it, I would have saved myself a lot of confusion.
I did not realize that it was a fantastical and magical story.
Had I know this prior to reading it, I would have saved myself a lot of confusion.
kate_bunton's review against another edition
Impenetrable writing style. Maybe I’ll try again one day but not today satan
renegadepaladin's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
natsilene's review against another edition
4.0
I Versi Satanici trabocca post-modernismo da tutti i pori. Quello di Rushdie è un romanzo caotico, pieno di invenzioni funamboliche e clamorose, vicende assurde, è un romanzo blasfemo che costerà all'autore la condanna a morte da parte del regime iraniano di Khomeini e che costerà la vita al traduttore giapponese del romanzo, ucciso da sicari iraniani (quello italiano e quello norvegese inoltre verranno feriti in altri due attentati). C'è tanto divertimento in queste pagine ma anche tanta tristezza, ci sono squallore e felicità, bene e male, immoralità e altruismo, sacro e profano. Uno sguardo penetrante sull'influenza del passato sul presente e sul futuro su scala sia microscopica che macroscopica.
brianlinzy's review against another edition
2.0
My review on Twitter:
"I'm halfway through the Satanic Verses. It's beautifully written. Every paragraph is like a poem. I have no idea what it's about."
I never picked it up again after that.
"I'm halfway through the Satanic Verses. It's beautifully written. Every paragraph is like a poem. I have no idea what it's about."
I never picked it up again after that.
hellb_nny's review against another edition
they took it off the fucking reading list
vznsofjohanna's review against another edition
2.75
Imagine irrecoverably ruining your life over some mid.