Imaginary Homelands: Essays and Criticism 1981-1991 by
Salman Rushdie, Granta, 1992
In order to understand what lies
beneath ‘Booker of bookers’ awardee, one must read Imaginary Home lands. It is a very honest confessional account of
Salman Rushdie about himself. He shares his insight regarding others-where they stand in his scheme of things!
Who would not love to know about a literary enigma who created Midnight’s children?
Salman Rushdie is not only a literary giant, but also a maverick! Critics claim he lost his religious faith at the age of fifteen. The event took place in a Latin class at Rugby and he later celebrated it by eating a stale ham sandwich. In his own words, he attempted to fill the ‘god-shaped hole’ left by his loss of faith with the art of the novel.
‘
Imaginary Homelands’ is a collection of seventy five essays and reviews. These reflect on number of vital issues from socialism to arts and culture. Like always, he succeed in presenting his liberal views.
Salman is quite candid with his viewpoint. He articulates his views in a very honest manner. Unlike others, he does not mince words about literary figures or icons.
Salman openly criticizes George Orwell and other writers as ‘wanting’. However, he shares the moral rage of Orwell against extreme materialism and politics of money.
Salman Rushdie shares his strong views about MM Kaye and Paul Scott. He also criticizes Richard Attenborough and his masterpiece, “Gandhi”. Literary critics have pointed out it has much to do with his intense love for India. Salman has tried to point out the issue of racism in Great Britain.
Salman makes no secret of his deep hatred for Muslim extremists. One cannot blame him for painting the entire community as fanatic because Salman is a diehard agnostic. Thankfully, this essay has been removed from this book.
Rushdie explains that his controversial book –Satanic verses should be seen as a viewpoint of a man who has seen both ends of life. He accepts in one of his essays that he became Muslim because of death threats posed by fanatics.
This collection of essays and reviews is necessary for all who wish to understand this controversial literary figure.
One may like or hate him but one cannot ignore him.
Therefore ‘Imaginary homelands’ must be read!