52 pages • 1 hour read
Salman RushdieThe Satanic Verses
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie follows Bollywood actor Gibreel Farishta and voice actor Saladin Chamcha, who survive a terrorist bombing on a flight from India to the UK and undergo supernatural transformations: Gibreel becomes an angel, and Saladin a demon. The narrative intertwines their journey with dream sequences involving Mahound, an allegory of the Prophet Muhammad, and various other characters. The novel caused significant controversy due to its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Critics praise The Satanic Verses for its imaginative storytelling and cultural commentary, blending fantasy with real-world issues. However, some find its narrative complex and challenging, potentially alienating readers unfamiliar with its references. Despite controversy, it remains a notable work in modern literature for its bold themes and literary ambition.
Who Should Read The Satanic Verses?
A reader who would enjoy Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses is likely interested in complex, thought-provoking narratives that blend magical realism with political and cultural commentary. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Haruki Murakami's works would find it similarly compelling.