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The Satanic Verses

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The Satanic Verses

By: Salman Rushdie
Narrated by: Sagar Arya
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Just before dawn one winter’s morning, a hijacked aeroplane blows apart high above the English Channel and two figures tumble, clutched in an embrace, towards the sea: Gibreel Farishta, India’s legendary movie star, and Saladin Chamcha, the man of a thousand voices.

Washed up, alive, on an English beach, their survival is a miracle. But there is a price to pay. Gibreel and Saladin have been chosen as opponents in the eternal wrestling match between Good and Evil. But chosen by whom? And which is which? And what will be the outcome of their final confrontation?

©1988 Salman Rushdie (P)2020 Audible, Ltd Asian Epic Epic Fantasy European Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literary History & Criticism Magical Realism World Literature Magic Thought-Provoking
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I had reservations about reading this book but eventually took the plunge and was so glad that I did. What a marvellous writer and such an incredible read darting between fantastic and somewhat dark situations and humorous incidents such to make one laugh out loud. The delivery is exceptional by Sagar who makes the almost impossible task of understanding the book's drifts and turns which often distort reality into a comprehensive and cohesive narrative emphasising its great wit. I am tempted to listen again but will have a pause before I do so. The visual memories of butterflies and the horror of immigration controls will remain with me for ever.

Brilliant delivery bringing out the humour

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I am so very glad that nearly everything that can be said about this book has been said by my appropriate, knowledgeable, and intelligent people than myself because I don't have a clue what to say on finishing this beyond absolutely loving it with the Sagar Arya narration being one of the greatest performances I've ever had the privilege of listening to!

Absolutely bloody marvellous.

I would be lying if I said I got all of it and didn't struggle a little with keeping track of everything, but this absolutely blew me away.

Just...wow!

Phenomenal

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The narration is terrible, just appalling. I had to turn it off after only a few minutes because there is no way I can listen the entire book with this actor telling the story.

I hate the ridiculous narration

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Blown away by the outstanding reading of this book by Sagar Arya. He captures the comedy and the drama, the sardonic wit and the seriousness - and really inhabits the various Indian and English characters. The reading gives the book an extra propulsion and makes you want to read on. Long - and a lot to take in -but worth it.
The listen prompted me to also read this a second time in paperback and I believe this is a really good and interesting book - and funny and sharp and serious and satiric. Written in the 1980's and largely set in a then contemporary India and London and an Arabian past. There are some great set-piece scenes: some funny but also serious and affecting (eg. as one of the characters approaches death). Many, if not all, the themes are still central to life and always will be. What does it mean to be part of a society, country, group, or religion; how is identity defined; what does it mean to be an immigrant and the impact of history on who we are or become.
I've read Rushdie before, so was familiar with his sparkling style and touches of magic realism. The latter should not put you off as the book is grounded in reality: a real world and real emotions and challenges for the characters.
I'd also say that the book was instructive in that it opened up different cultures (and ways of seeing the world) to the reader - which prompted further thought - and additional research. I write as a UK national who has travelled widely and lived abroad - including in India.
I must also give credit to the "Origin Story" podcast on "The Rushdie Affair" for prompting me to finally read this book which had been gathering dust on my shelves for some years. That podcast is a really good summary of the challenging events following the book's publication - which I remember well.
In summary: scabrous, funny, serious, emotional, intelligent - and broadening horizons. Everything a good book should be.



Excellent audio reading of a very good book indeed

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Incredible story and wonderful narration. I had to really focus sometimes, but so worth it. Heartily recommend

Outstanding

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