This being the sixth of Rushdie's novels that I have read, I had already made my mind up that I was going to like it. It is the first one that he wrote, and differs from the other ones I have read in not at all involving India. It has a more science fiction slant than his others, while being roughly identifiable in its magical realism tones consistent in his other works. This is one of the things that I like his books for, though it does not seem to be quite as pronounced here. I wanted to like this book, though I had heard it was his worse one. The story is quite unusual, and may not appeal as readily to those who have enjoyed any of his other works as most of the other ones they have not read would, due to its Sci-Fi, non contemporary setting. I wasn't disappointed to have read it, but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as any of his other books. Many of the things that make his other books so good are present here, but in a lesser quantity. I would not reccommend it readily to a first time Rushdie reader, as it may put them off, unless they were into Science Fiction, (which I am certainly not). The plot is sound, and I was pleased with the ending, but the depth and splendour of imagination found in the Satanic Verses, my favourite so far, was not here. ( )

This was Salman Rushdie's first novel and it shows in that it's far less polished than his later works. The plot is a bit confusing at times and the characters are impossible to empathize with, but there's nevertheless an interesting story presented here.

If you're looking for a better example of Rushdie's writing, go for Midnight's children. If you're just a crazy Rushdie fanatic (like me!), then go ahead and read Grimus anyway. ( )