Midnight's Children

Midnight's Children, by Salman Rushdie. (Jonathan Cape, 1981)

Last year, Salman Rushdie's 27-year old novel, Midnight's Children, was honored as the all-time prize winning work of literature in the 40-year history of the Booker Prize.

The title refers to the babies who were born in the midnight hour on August 15, 1947, as India proclaimed its independence from Great Britain. The main character and narrator is Saleem Sinai, born on the stroke of midnight and destined to live a life that parallels the early struggles of the newly independent nation.

Saleem and the rest of Midnight's Children have unusual and extraordinary gifts and powers. Saleem's power is a telepathic one that enables him to communicate with the minds of others, and he uses his gift to virtually convene the Children who are spread throughout the geographic vastness of India.

Rushdie's writing is filled with history, magic, and humor. I'm currently two-thirds of the way through this book, and I am enjoying it immensely. I'm posting this information now, rather than waiting till I finish, so that I can share the news that Salman Rushdie is the next speaker in the Lackawanna County Library Lecture Series.

The lecture will take place on Friday, July 17, at 8 p.m., at the Scranton Cultural Center. As always, admission is free with a library card. Tickets are available at all Lackawanna County libraries, at the Scranton Cultural Center box office, or at the door the evening of the event.

Start reading Midnight's Children now, so you'll have time to savor and finish it before July 17!