I am in the final stages of Midnight’s Children and what a struggle it is. This is not a novel that will give itself over to me in any way. Just when I think I’m getting a grip, it slips away from me, like one of the frequent snake motifs scattered through the book, or indeed I fall down one of the ladders…
BLINDING INSIGHT
Just as I wrote the words above I realised what this reading experience is like for me. It’s like playing a game of snakes and ladders. I seem to make progress, then I slide back. (And I also just remembered you climb the ladders and slide down the snakes. I wish I had taken closer note as I went along of when I most experienced this sensation; next time I read it?) Is this what his intention was? I know that the snakes and ladders game is a deliberate reference but did Rushdie want the reader to have that emotion as they read? OMG how brilliant if so, and even if not deliberate this is now how I will think of it.
I’m wondering what my next read will be. I wonder whether I should ease off a bit with the full on literary works and I was thinking John Irving’s A Son of the Circus, knowing his words will be like a balm and I wouldn’t have to work so damn hard, but I’m not sure now. Shantaram is another, but I might stay in Rushdie territory and just stick it.
And is it just me or is this the WORST cover ever for MC? I know it’s a movie tie-in but really… So clichéd.
SERAGLIO 
I bailed out on that one.
And yes, that’s a terrible cover.
I am struggling struggling but determined to finish. Thanks for visiting!
It’s a terrible, terrible cover. I pretty much hate all movie-tie-in covers.
Don’t know if you should change up your reading… There are some authors I read that I want to binge on but if I do, it never works. Yates comes to mind.
I hate movie-tie ins, will avoid when possible. I still haven’t decided what my next read is. I cheated last night by reading old Paris Review Art of Fiction interviews.
I’ve never read Yates, but his is a name that keeps coming up, so one day.
Binging (gee, that looks wrong) – may not work… I think I will need a break from Rusdhie’s voice, amazing though it is.
You’ve never read any Yates? Not Revolutionary Road? He writes the kind of stories I like best – all relationships and feelings and everyday betrayals. I haven’t read all of his books – still have a few to go, but have been deliberately stretching them out.
I saw RR but haven’t read any of his. Can you please recommend two or three of your favourites? I will check him out… next year *looks forlorn*
Certainly Revolutionary Road and The Easter Parade. Start with those and be amazed 😉
All movie/TV-tie-in cover are abysmal, but you are right this is a bad one. The movie is not too bad, it leaves a lot out and lacks the novels depth, but as Rushdie wrote the screenplay (and narrates the movie) I think it showed he understands the limitations of the format. The cinematography was quite beautiful at times. (by the way, in answer to your earlier question, you can call me Jason).
HI Jason, I tried to find your name but couldn’t see it on your blog! I will definitely watch the movie though, and knowing he narrates makes it even more appealing. I saw him speak here at Melbourne Writers’ Festival, a couple of years ago. Great voice.