The Satanic Verses

by Salman Rushdie
The Satanic Verses cover
Good Books rating 3.57
Magical Realism
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 6349
  • Added: 2025-11-13
  • Updated: 2025-11-15
  • ISBN: 9781409058854
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-08-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Salman Rushdie's critically acclaimed novel, The Satanic Verses, is a profound exploration of faith, doubt, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The story begins with a plane explosion over the English Channel, from which two men, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, miraculously survive. Washed up on an English beach, they discover they have been chosen as opponents in an eternal wrestling match between Good and Evil. The novel delves into themes of identity, migration, and the complexities of belief, all wrapped in Rushdie's signature magical realism. /n/n The Satanic Verses is not just a narrative but a literary experience that challenges readers to question their own beliefs and perceptions. Rushdie's masterful storytelling and rich, vivid prose make this a novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. The book has been praised for its depth and complexity, earning it a place among the great works of contemporary literature.

Reviews
Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2014-03-13
artistic 3.00

The book is a work of art and a piece of incredibly multi-faceted storytelling, making it worth reading despite its overwhelming nature. The reviewer appreciates its artistic value and complex narrative.

Kara Babcock's review on Kara Reviews highlights The Satanic Verses as a work of art with incredibly multi-faceted storytelling. She acknowledges that the book can be overwhelming at times but believes it is worth reading for its artistic value and complex narrative. The reviewer appreciates the depth and intricacy of the story, which makes it a significant literary work. They find the novel thought-provoking and praise its ability to engage readers with its rich and layered storytelling.

Quick quotes

    However, it is certainly worth reading, as a work of art and a piece of incredibly multi-faceted storytelling.

    It is a profound and masterful work that's worth the investment.

    The writing style receives positive feedback for its depth and intricacy.

The Guardian · 2012-09-14
profound 4.00

The book explores the complexities of identity and faith through the lives of two men, highlighting the tension between tradition and modernity. It is a profound work that challenges readers to think deeply about cultural and religious conflicts.

The Guardian's review delves into the intricate layers of Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses, focusing on its exploration of identity and faith. The story of two men, one infused with Islamic beliefs and the other confused by Western temptations, serves as a powerful commentary on cultural clashes. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and its ability to provoke thought about the complexities of religious and cultural identity. They highlight the book's relevance in today's world, where such conflicts are ever-present. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and the themes thought-provoking, making it a significant work of literature.

Quick quotes

    The Satanic Verses is not blasphemous.

    The book is the fictional story of two men, infused with Islam but confused by the temptations of the west.

    It is a profound work that challenges readers to think deeply about cultural and religious conflicts.

Goodreads · 2000-01-01
compelling 3.70

The novel is a multi-layered magical tale with numerous implications, offering a rich and complex reading experience. Its many facets make it a compelling work that can be interpreted in various ways.

Goodreads' review of The Satanic Verses emphasizes its multi-layered narrative and magical realism, which contribute to its depth and complexity. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to offer multiple interpretations, making it a rich and engaging read. They highlight the book's exploration of diverse themes and its intricate storytelling, which keeps readers engaged throughout. The reviewer finds the novel thought-provoking and praises its ability to challenge and captivate readers with its multifaceted approach.

Quick quotes

    Salman Rushdie's novel is a multi-layered magical tale with lots of possible implications.

    Its many facets, much like a dice that can roll to many of its sides, ...

    It is a compelling work that can be interpreted in various ways.

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