I haven't seen as much buzz about this book as I anticipated, but I do hope to try it soon.
Random House - September 8, 2015
From Salman Rushdie, one of the great writers of our time, comes a spellbinding work of fiction that blends history, mythology, and a timeless love story. A lush, richly layered novel in which our world has been plunged into an age of unreason, Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights is a breathtaking achievement and an enduring testament to the power of storytelling.
In the near future, after a storm strikes New York City, the strangenesses begin. A down-to-earth gardener finds that his feet no longer touch the ground. A graphic novelist awakens in his bedroom to a mysterious entity that resembles his own sub–Stan Lee creation. Abandoned at the mayor’s office, a baby identifies corruption with her mere presence, marking the guilty with blemishes and boils. A seductive gold digger is soon tapped to combat forces beyond imagining.
Unbeknownst to them, they are all descended from the whimsical, capricious, wanton creatures known as the jinn, who live in a world separated from ours by a veil. Centuries ago, Dunia, a princess of the jinn, fell in love with a mortal man of reason. Together they produced an astonishing number of children, unaware of their fantastical powers, who spread across generations in the human world.
Once the line between worlds is breached on a grand scale, Dunia’s children and others will play a role in an epic war between light and dark spanning a thousand and one nights—or two years, eight months, and twenty-eight nights. It is a time of enormous upheaval, in which beliefs are challenged, words act like poison, silence is a disease, and a noise may contain a hidden curse.
Inspired by the traditional “wonder tales” of the East, Salman Rushdie’s novel is a masterpiece about the age-old conflicts that remain in today’s world. Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights is satirical and bawdy, full of cunning and folly, rivalries and betrayals, kismet and karma, rapture and redemption.
This sounds intriguing. I'd enjoyed his last book, Joseph Anton, so am looking forward to this. What's more, Salman Rushdie will be coming to Banff later this month, about an hour's drive from my home. Alas, I won't be able to make it on that day.
ReplyDeleteThe only Rushdie I've read were Satanic Verses way back when, but I've been wanting to read more of his books.
DeleteI haven't read this author...and while this one sounds intense and exciting, I would have to be in the right frame of mind for it...LOL. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHis writing always does seem intense, but I am ready to try another by him.
DeleteI've never read anything by Salman Rushdie. This looks really interesting, like something I wouldn't normally read, which may be a good reason to try it! Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt does seem very different.
DeleteThat sounds quite good and we like Salman Rushdie too!
ReplyDeleteHe and Stephen King are iconic.
DeleteIt sounds interesting, but after struggling to read Joseph Anton for bookclub (I ended up DNF), I'll wait for reviews.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't tried Joseph Anton so can't comment.
DeleteThis was the first book by Rushdie I ever read. Fascinating stuff. You can read my review here http://drchazan.blogspot.com/2015/08/in-congruence.html
ReplyDeleteDavida, I read your terrific review. Unfortunately, I can't comment on your blog without creating a Google+ ID which I's rather not do.
DeleteThis sounds really good. I'll be excited to get my hands on a copy!
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds like a great fall choice---jope so.
DeleteI will be reading this book soon.
ReplyDeleteI have previously read both The Satanic Verses as well as Midnight's Children. I agree that he is a great writer.
Brian, I read Satanic verses as well years ago - hope you enjoy this one as well.
DeleteThere has been very little buzz about this one which is so surprising considering the author.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised about that as well Lisa.
DeleteI agree, but I tend to read darker stuff in fall/winter.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound absolutely amazing--Rushdie is one of those authors that really intimidates me! I LOVED Midnight's Children but I read it in college for a class and I think that always helps--maybe since I associate him with school I think he might be too smart for just little ole me. But I love that it's based on a traditional tale.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading this one. I did read a few passages but haven't gone back to it. This will likely be my next read.
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