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East, West
In these nine stories, Salman Rushdie looks at what happens when East meets West, at the forces that pull his characters first in one direction, then the other. Fantasy and realism collide as a rickshaw driver writes letters describing his film star career in Bombay; a mispronunciation leads to romance and an unusual courtship in sixties London; two childhood friends turned diplomats live out in a violent world fantasies hatched by "Star Trek"; and Christopher Columbus dreams of consummating his relationship with Queen Isabella. The stories in "East, West" show the extraordinary range and power of Salman Rushdie's writing.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
295 people are currently reading
4,621 people want to read
About the author
Salman Rushdie
156books12.5kfollowersSir Ahmed Salman Rushdie is an Indian-born British and American novelist. His work often combines magic realism with historical fiction and primarily deals with connections, disruptions, and migrations between Eastern and Western civilizations, typically set on the Indian subcontinent. Rushdie's second novel, Midnight's Children (1981), won the Booker Prize in 1981 and was deemed to be "the best novel of all winners" on two occasions, marking the 25th and the 40th anniversary of the prize.
After his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses (1988), Rushdie became the subject of several assassination attempts and death threats, including a fatwa calling for his death issued by Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran. In total, 20 countries banned the book. Numerous killings and bombings have been carried out by extremists who cite the book as motivation, sparking a debate about censorship and religiously motivated violence. In 2022, Rushdie survived a stabbing at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York.
In 1983, Rushdie was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He was appointed a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 1999. Rushdie was knighted in 2007 for his services to literature. In 2008, The Times ranked him 13th on its list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. Since 2000, Rushdie has lived in the United States. He was named Distinguished Writer in Residence at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University in 2015. Earlier, he taught at Emory University. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2012, he published Joseph Anton: A Memoir, an account of his life in the wake of the events following The Satanic Verses. Rushdie was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in April 2023.
Rushdie's personal life, including his five marriages and four divorces, has attracted notable media attention and controversies, particularly during his marriage to actress Padma Lakshmi.
After his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses (1988), Rushdie became the subject of several assassination attempts and death threats, including a fatwa calling for his death issued by Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran. In total, 20 countries banned the book. Numerous killings and bombings have been carried out by extremists who cite the book as motivation, sparking a debate about censorship and religiously motivated violence. In 2022, Rushdie survived a stabbing at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York.
In 1983, Rushdie was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He was appointed a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 1999. Rushdie was knighted in 2007 for his services to literature. In 2008, The Times ranked him 13th on its list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. Since 2000, Rushdie has lived in the United States. He was named Distinguished Writer in Residence at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University in 2015. Earlier, he taught at Emory University. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2012, he published Joseph Anton: A Memoir, an account of his life in the wake of the events following The Satanic Verses. Rushdie was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in April 2023.
Rushdie's personal life, including his five marriages and four divorces, has attracted notable media attention and controversies, particularly during his marriage to actress Padma Lakshmi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 617 reviews
March 21, 2025
These novels are very varied. Some are very short and relatively long; in some, we find Salman Rushdie's usual writing and the pleasure of reading it. In others, we are dealing with an oriental tale, like "The Hair of the Prophet."
April 17, 2010
I read this book with my husband in a hosptial in India, after he had an attack from his leukemia. I read this series of short stories to him as he lay in his hospital bed. He was very ill in a foreign country, and despite these very frigthening circumstances, we laughed till we cried, convinced that this book could speak to no one else in the world more directly than to us.
June 24, 2020
‘Home� has become such a scattered, damaged, various concept in our present travails. There is so much to yearn for. There are so few rainbows any more. How hard can we expect even a pair of magic shoes to work? They promised to take us home, but are metaphors of homeliness comprehensible to them, are abstractions permissible? Are they literalists, or will they permit us to redefine the blessed word? Are we asking, hoping for, too much? As our numberless needs emerge from their redoubts and press in upon the electrified glass, will the shoes, like the Grimms� ancient flatfish, lose patience with our ever-growing demands and return us to the hovels of our discontents?
*
Since those days I have dedicated myself to her memory. I have made of myself a candle at her temple.
I am aware that, after all these years of separation and non-communication, the Gale I adore is not entirely a real person. The real Gale has become confused with my re-imagining of her, with my private elaboration of our continuing life together in an alternative universe devoid of ape-men. The real Gale may by now be beyond our grasp, ineffable.
*
Since those days I have dedicated myself to her memory. I have made of myself a candle at her temple.
I am aware that, after all these years of separation and non-communication, the Gale I adore is not entirely a real person. The real Gale has become confused with my re-imagining of her, with my private elaboration of our continuing life together in an alternative universe devoid of ape-men. The real Gale may by now be beyond our grasp, ineffable.
October 9, 2011
Enjoyed the Indian "East" short stories tremendously. Somehow did not relate much (actually not at all) to the "West" stories - somehow in those, felt he was trying too hard to impress when simple is what he does best - although since I've not read Rushdie before have no clue what he does best but that was my impression - that he was trying to capture an audience not familiar with him... Maybe I failed to see the message of the collection?. "Yorrick" just didn't seem to fit in with the other themes but maybe I was expecting far too much East and disappointed there was less.. Of the "West" stories only the auction of the "Ruby Red Shoes" pulled any chords with me. This does not put me off Rushdie - am glad I got a taste of him, though I will be more selective in choosing the next one of his.
August 22, 2016
I kind of breezed through this one.
East, West is a compilation of short stories written by renowned author - Salman Rushdie. This is my first book by him. I know - it's a travesty, blah blah blah. But I got my chance this time and I went with it.
Honestly I was a little nervous about how I would take to Salman Rushdie's writing style. I had heard much about it and didn't want him to disappoint me.
I wasn't.
The book divided into three parts - East, West and East, West were absolutely delightful. I loved the East, West stories and the East stories more than the West. I loved that there was thing interesting Indian slang and syntax in the writing. There were these subtle plot changes that made you think, 'Oh my!'.
Definitely a great read for me.
(Too sleepy to write an actual review. My bad)
East, West is a compilation of short stories written by renowned author - Salman Rushdie. This is my first book by him. I know - it's a travesty, blah blah blah. But I got my chance this time and I went with it.
Honestly I was a little nervous about how I would take to Salman Rushdie's writing style. I had heard much about it and didn't want him to disappoint me.
I wasn't.
The book divided into three parts - East, West and East, West were absolutely delightful. I loved the East, West stories and the East stories more than the West. I loved that there was thing interesting Indian slang and syntax in the writing. There were these subtle plot changes that made you think, 'Oh my!'.
Definitely a great read for me.
(Too sleepy to write an actual review. My bad)
November 27, 2019
This is a lovely collection of short stories, it really is. Divided into three parts (East, West, East West), it is written in a variety of styles. I read this book today (in one sitting) and found it quite an endearing read. Salman Rushie does really well in the short form. I'm really glad I picked this one in the library today. (I actually wrote a rather lengthily review and then I accidentally deleted it. What is one to do? Instead of writing another lengthily review, I'll just grade the stories separately and write bullet reviews.)
EAST
GOOD ADVICE IS RARER THAN RUBIES 4/5
Surprisingly optimist and heart-warming ending was not what I expected, but it felt appropriate enough. I quite liked this one.
THE FREE RADIO 4/5
A successful short story, quite depressive and gloom in tone but it feels all the more authentic for it.
THE PROPHET'S HAIR 5/5
It is written in what I would call Rushie's own style of magic realism and thus quite delightful in its mix of subtle irony, dark humor and sincere tragedy.
WEST
YORICK 3/5
This story that puts words into mouth of fictional characters like Hamlet and Ophelia is interestingly written. The experimental style of writing is a nice change, but quite frankly I found it a bit hard to follow.
AT THE AUCTION OF THE RUBY SLIPPERS 4/5
Set in a future world, this story talks of a man who attends an auction for legendary ruby slippers in hope of winning a lost love. I quite liked its clever commentary on consumerism and its fantastical elements.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS AND THE QUEEN ISABELLA OF SPAIN CONSUMMATE THEIR RELATIONSHIP 4/5
One more story belonging to magic realism, this wonderfully imaginative tale will be hard to forget.
EAST, WEST
THE HARMONY OF THE SPHERES 4/5
Excellent portraying of characters and a fantastic ending make it stand out.
CHEKHOV AND ZULU 4/5
At times a bit hard to follow, maybe because the Star Trek references and metaphors took a life of their own. I was having a hard time figuring who among the Star Trek is supposed to represent who in the modern India (are Klingons a metaphor for Sikhs?) Still, it is a wonderfully written story that speaks of two friends and their relationship.
THE COURTIER 5/5
A touching tale that touches on many aspects of life of one immigrant family. The people they come in contact with have tales of their own to tell. Especially sweet was the unexpected romance between an elderly Indian Aya (nanny) and a Slavic porter who suffered a stroke and who knows what else, but could still play chess as a master he used to be and teach it to Aya.
EAST
GOOD ADVICE IS RARER THAN RUBIES 4/5
Surprisingly optimist and heart-warming ending was not what I expected, but it felt appropriate enough. I quite liked this one.
THE FREE RADIO 4/5
A successful short story, quite depressive and gloom in tone but it feels all the more authentic for it.
THE PROPHET'S HAIR 5/5
It is written in what I would call Rushie's own style of magic realism and thus quite delightful in its mix of subtle irony, dark humor and sincere tragedy.
WEST
YORICK 3/5
This story that puts words into mouth of fictional characters like Hamlet and Ophelia is interestingly written. The experimental style of writing is a nice change, but quite frankly I found it a bit hard to follow.
AT THE AUCTION OF THE RUBY SLIPPERS 4/5
Set in a future world, this story talks of a man who attends an auction for legendary ruby slippers in hope of winning a lost love. I quite liked its clever commentary on consumerism and its fantastical elements.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS AND THE QUEEN ISABELLA OF SPAIN CONSUMMATE THEIR RELATIONSHIP 4/5
One more story belonging to magic realism, this wonderfully imaginative tale will be hard to forget.
EAST, WEST
THE HARMONY OF THE SPHERES 4/5
Excellent portraying of characters and a fantastic ending make it stand out.
CHEKHOV AND ZULU 4/5
At times a bit hard to follow, maybe because the Star Trek references and metaphors took a life of their own. I was having a hard time figuring who among the Star Trek is supposed to represent who in the modern India (are Klingons a metaphor for Sikhs?) Still, it is a wonderfully written story that speaks of two friends and their relationship.
THE COURTIER 5/5
A touching tale that touches on many aspects of life of one immigrant family. The people they come in contact with have tales of their own to tell. Especially sweet was the unexpected romance between an elderly Indian Aya (nanny) and a Slavic porter who suffered a stroke and who knows what else, but could still play chess as a master he used to be and teach it to Aya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
El libro es una colección de nueve relatos divididos en tres secciones: Oriente, Occidente y Oriente, Occidente.
Disfruté mucho leyendo los tres relatos del apartado de Oriente ambientados en India: tres narraciones que me tuvieron completamente enganchada y me llevaron a un viaje cultural, tradicional, familiar y religioso. Sin embargo, los tres relatos de Occidente, en Inglaterra, me fueron muy pesados: tenía que releerlos porque me perdía y en ningún momento entré en la lectura.
Los tres cuentos del apartado Oriente y Occidente, me gustaron mucho: son un puente entre ambas perspectivas culturales, plasman el concepto de identidad e incluso nos muestran que aunque hayan muchas diferencias culturales entre uno y otro, en realidad, estamos muy interrelacionados.
Este es el primer libro que leo de Salman Rushdie, para mí, se había convertido en una asignatura pendiente desde hace años. Su escritura me ha parecido en algunos momentos un poco estrambótica, y en otros momentos, de una imaginación desbordante. Me gustaría leer algún libro más de él y, quizás, el próximo será su polémico libro “Los versos satánicos�.
Disfruté mucho leyendo los tres relatos del apartado de Oriente ambientados en India: tres narraciones que me tuvieron completamente enganchada y me llevaron a un viaje cultural, tradicional, familiar y religioso. Sin embargo, los tres relatos de Occidente, en Inglaterra, me fueron muy pesados: tenía que releerlos porque me perdía y en ningún momento entré en la lectura.
Los tres cuentos del apartado Oriente y Occidente, me gustaron mucho: son un puente entre ambas perspectivas culturales, plasman el concepto de identidad e incluso nos muestran que aunque hayan muchas diferencias culturales entre uno y otro, en realidad, estamos muy interrelacionados.
Este es el primer libro que leo de Salman Rushdie, para mí, se había convertido en una asignatura pendiente desde hace años. Su escritura me ha parecido en algunos momentos un poco estrambótica, y en otros momentos, de una imaginación desbordante. Me gustaría leer algún libro más de él y, quizás, el próximo será su polémico libro “Los versos satánicos�.
August 6, 2021
Nine beautiful samples of typical Rusdie flavours. All are great
April 2, 2015
Umm...no. I'm not really a fan of writing just for the sake of writing, and this really is a great example of that. These short stories have no purpose - filled with bland characters and high-writing just for the sake of having something down on paper. I thought the East stories were annoying, but the West stories were even worse - confusing and pseudo-high-minded and heavily worded. Not worth the read (I actually couldn't even finish it - had to skip the last fifty pages or so...on with life.)
April 1, 2021
8/10 stars
Salman Rushdie's collected short stories focused on the meaning of home.
Some real pearls in this one: At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers, angry and prescient, and laughing madly through tears, Chekhov and Zulu, a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of friendship and displacement masterfully clad in the Star Trek language and concepts, and The Courter, a beautiful love story stretched between East and West.
There was one complete dud, too, alas -Yorick was just absolutely not to my liking, even with the knowledge that it's meant as a typical cock-and-bull story I felt that the joke was stretched too thin.
Salman Rushdie's collected short stories focused on the meaning of home.
Some real pearls in this one: At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers, angry and prescient, and laughing madly through tears, Chekhov and Zulu, a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of friendship and displacement masterfully clad in the Star Trek language and concepts, and The Courter, a beautiful love story stretched between East and West.
There was one complete dud, too, alas -Yorick was just absolutely not to my liking, even with the knowledge that it's meant as a typical cock-and-bull story I felt that the joke was stretched too thin.
September 4, 2013
I read 'The Prophet’s Hair' by Salman Rushdie from this book, and it has a good theme, but a very dark meaning. The story is written in Magic Realism like many other works by Rushdie. The story line and the way Rushdie is portrayed it is extremely negative. It shines a dark shadow on any form of religion, specifically orthodox Islam. Although I support freedom of expression, it is unjustified when what someone expresses explicitly attacks a particular set of people or beliefs and that is exactly what this story does. Through very pointed metaphors and allusions Rushdie casts religion and orthodox religious people in a negative light and makes it seem as though religion and religious following itself as the reason for everything difficult and wrong in a person’s life. This is quite evident in the way everything goes wrong for the moral and good family when the head of the family comes in contact with the greatest symbol of his religion, the vial containing the Prophet’s Hair in it. The story conveys that just because of that one relic, Hashim became the most orthodox Muslim in the world, and this too is represented as a bad and violent trait, although Islam is one the most peaceful religions. Islam not being sacred for Rushdie does not justify him mocking or attacking the religion or the people who follow it.
Rushdie’s language is also just as pretentious. The sentences are long and the language is verbose and vivid. This makes the story even stranger and harder to read. The sentences lose their meaning in their length and are awkward as a result, making the entire experience of reading the story unpleasant. He uses long and hard words where much simpler words will do just as well. Some sections of the story need to be reread to understand their complete message because of the nature of the language used and the length of the sentences. Sentences such as “These breaches of the family’s unwritten laws of decorum alarmed Atta and Huma, and when, that evening their mother attempted to…� (Rushdie pg. 47) are winded in a complicated manner that is quite unnecessary. The word choice and the construction of the sentences are quite awkward.
There is situational as well as dramatic irony used in the story. The way the irony is used suggests that religion is just like money; it corrupts people and destroys their moral ground. This theme is hard to convey in exactly the right way and Rushdie does not seem to have grasped that. There can be several parallels drawn between Sheikh Sin and Hashim who are both greedy, one for money and the other for artifacts. This greed kills both of them and destroys their families. This aspect of the story furthers the negative denotation in it. The characters in the story are not very well developed, and this makes his argument even weaker. The theme Salman Rushdie has attempted to convey through this story is just as good as it is controversial and needs to be portrayed very carefully. I admire the idea, but it’s execution by Rushdie is not good, the language as well as the irony used is too extreme and in its harshness the story falls short of the effect it could have had.
Rushdie’s language is also just as pretentious. The sentences are long and the language is verbose and vivid. This makes the story even stranger and harder to read. The sentences lose their meaning in their length and are awkward as a result, making the entire experience of reading the story unpleasant. He uses long and hard words where much simpler words will do just as well. Some sections of the story need to be reread to understand their complete message because of the nature of the language used and the length of the sentences. Sentences such as “These breaches of the family’s unwritten laws of decorum alarmed Atta and Huma, and when, that evening their mother attempted to…� (Rushdie pg. 47) are winded in a complicated manner that is quite unnecessary. The word choice and the construction of the sentences are quite awkward.
There is situational as well as dramatic irony used in the story. The way the irony is used suggests that religion is just like money; it corrupts people and destroys their moral ground. This theme is hard to convey in exactly the right way and Rushdie does not seem to have grasped that. There can be several parallels drawn between Sheikh Sin and Hashim who are both greedy, one for money and the other for artifacts. This greed kills both of them and destroys their families. This aspect of the story furthers the negative denotation in it. The characters in the story are not very well developed, and this makes his argument even weaker. The theme Salman Rushdie has attempted to convey through this story is just as good as it is controversial and needs to be portrayed very carefully. I admire the idea, but it’s execution by Rushdie is not good, the language as well as the irony used is too extreme and in its harshness the story falls short of the effect it could have had.
September 4, 2013
Salman Rushdie uses a vast array of sophisticated narrative techniques to clarify his views about religion and its apparent stronghold on an individual’s life. The Prophet’s Hair has an almost satirical theme, often mocking individuals who absorb themselves into the world of religion. While some might perceive this as offensive and demeaning, the point of the story remains valid. Through the short story, the reader is shown a glimpse into a man whose world is run by religion, and it tries not to diminish the stronghold of any one religion, but rather to emphasize that family and friends should not be forgotten in the chase of religion.
While the story steps on eggshells by referring to the Prophet (the founder of Islam) in an unintentionally negative light, Rushdie is generally careful to not blatantly attack any religion but subtly displays his opinion on the falsehood of religion by means of a story. He has a constant theme of sarcasm and mockery but maintains a mature stance about his views. He is aggressive in his tone, but all the while remaining respectful not to blatantly accuse religion, or the preaching’s of religion itself, on the creation of a selfish man. Many have accused Rushdie of blasphemy towards Islam, however he is wise in directing his visions for religion through appropriate, but certainly controversial channels. Rushdie bases his story on the fundamentals of magic realism, using fictional or magical elements and blending it into a real-world scenario. He easily emphasizes his point of view on religion as he characterizes the father as being overtly obsessive of a tiny object, and in the process creating turmoil between his family. Rushdie uses omniscient point of view, narrating from an unknown this party. Symbolism through the prophets hair, and a certain native-ness within Rushdie's diction can easily be noticed.
Lastly, Rushdie uses irony to illuminate the strict cultures and traditions of India. He uses language related to that of texts speaking of a post-colonial India to depict the brutality of Indian traditions with doses of irony. Through The Prophet's Hair, Rushdie uses distinct literary tools to put emphasis on a deeper meaning, allowing the reader time to reflect on his controversial views on religion, while doing his best to avoid anger and hatred from devout religious personalities.
While the story steps on eggshells by referring to the Prophet (the founder of Islam) in an unintentionally negative light, Rushdie is generally careful to not blatantly attack any religion but subtly displays his opinion on the falsehood of religion by means of a story. He has a constant theme of sarcasm and mockery but maintains a mature stance about his views. He is aggressive in his tone, but all the while remaining respectful not to blatantly accuse religion, or the preaching’s of religion itself, on the creation of a selfish man. Many have accused Rushdie of blasphemy towards Islam, however he is wise in directing his visions for religion through appropriate, but certainly controversial channels. Rushdie bases his story on the fundamentals of magic realism, using fictional or magical elements and blending it into a real-world scenario. He easily emphasizes his point of view on religion as he characterizes the father as being overtly obsessive of a tiny object, and in the process creating turmoil between his family. Rushdie uses omniscient point of view, narrating from an unknown this party. Symbolism through the prophets hair, and a certain native-ness within Rushdie's diction can easily be noticed.
Lastly, Rushdie uses irony to illuminate the strict cultures and traditions of India. He uses language related to that of texts speaking of a post-colonial India to depict the brutality of Indian traditions with doses of irony. Through The Prophet's Hair, Rushdie uses distinct literary tools to put emphasis on a deeper meaning, allowing the reader time to reflect on his controversial views on religion, while doing his best to avoid anger and hatred from devout religious personalities.
June 14, 2024
Rushdie je jedan od onih pisaca koji me zanimaju, ali nikad nisu uspjeli doći na red. Zato sam objeručke prihvatila ideju klupske kolegice da ga čitamo za čitateljski klub. I nije mi žao.
Ovo je zbirka kratkih priča kojima Rushdie na satiričan i izazovan način želi čitatelju prenijeti svoje stavove o razlikama između istoka (Indije, Pakistana, muslimana) i zapada (Engleske kao kolonijalne sile, zapadnjačkog potrošačkog društva). Priče su mi bile većinom zanimljive i potaknule su me na razmišljanje o svim razlikama. Bilo je i par priča koje su mi laički rečeno bile bez veze i nisam ih razumjela, nisam skužila „što je pjesnik htio reći�.
Pročitala sam i pogovor engleskog i pogovor hrvatskog izdanja i oni su mi dali još nekakav dodatni kontekst Rushdijevim razmišljanjima, iako su se moje pretpostavke kod nekih priča pokazale točne.
Evo malo i o svakoj priči:
ISTOK
1. Dobar savjet od rubina je rjeđi ***
Djevojčina odluka je za pet. Isprva sam se pobojala za nju, ali snašla se cura.
2. Besplatni radio **
Ova mi je bila tužna i tu se baš jasno vidi ta razlika između istoka i zapada i kako je ta se kolonizacija uplela u sve sfere istočnjačkog života. Ali u ovom slučaju ne na dobar način.
3. Prorokova vlas
Jedna od najboljih priča u knjizi. Provokativna. Eto što vjerski fanatizam sve može učiniti ljudima.
ZAPAD
1. Yorick *
Ovu apsolutno nisam shvatila i mislim da mi je jedna od dvije najgluplje priče u ovoj zbirci.
2. Na dražbi rubinskih cipelica
Ova priča savršeno dočarava ludilo zapadnjačkog potrošačkog društva i ideju kako će svaka roba naći svog kupca. Rushdie kao da ju je napisao u ovom našem dobu društvenih mreža u kojem je normalna pomama za nekim nebitnim predmetom kad ga influenceri spomenu.
I je li moguće da je Weir u ovoj priči dobio ideju za svog Marsovca?!?!?
3. Kristofor Kolumbo i kraljica Izabela Španjolska ispunjavaju svoj odnos *
Onak, WTF?
ISTOK, ZAPAD
1. Suglasje sfera ****
Mislim da je ipak za sve bila kriva šizofrenija. A obrat na kraju � lajk.
2. Chekov i Zulu ***
Star Trek je valjda jedan od najboljih ambasadora za povezivanje ne samo istoka i zapada, nego svih rasa i religija na svijetu.
3. Udvornik
Joj ova mi je bila baš lijepa, i pomalo tužna, i zabavna. Savršeno pokazuje sudar svjetova, neshvaćanje različitosti i čežnju (starijih) za onim poznatim, onim svojim.
Book Club Osijek 2024. � 4 (Ana)
Ovo je zbirka kratkih priča kojima Rushdie na satiričan i izazovan način želi čitatelju prenijeti svoje stavove o razlikama između istoka (Indije, Pakistana, muslimana) i zapada (Engleske kao kolonijalne sile, zapadnjačkog potrošačkog društva). Priče su mi bile većinom zanimljive i potaknule su me na razmišljanje o svim razlikama. Bilo je i par priča koje su mi laički rečeno bile bez veze i nisam ih razumjela, nisam skužila „što je pjesnik htio reći�.
Pročitala sam i pogovor engleskog i pogovor hrvatskog izdanja i oni su mi dali još nekakav dodatni kontekst Rushdijevim razmišljanjima, iako su se moje pretpostavke kod nekih priča pokazale točne.
Evo malo i o svakoj priči:
ISTOK
1. Dobar savjet od rubina je rjeđi ***
Djevojčina odluka je za pet. Isprva sam se pobojala za nju, ali snašla se cura.
2. Besplatni radio **
Ova mi je bila tužna i tu se baš jasno vidi ta razlika između istoka i zapada i kako je ta se kolonizacija uplela u sve sfere istočnjačkog života. Ali u ovom slučaju ne na dobar način.
3. Prorokova vlas
Jedna od najboljih priča u knjizi. Provokativna. Eto što vjerski fanatizam sve može učiniti ljudima.
ZAPAD
1. Yorick *
Ovu apsolutno nisam shvatila i mislim da mi je jedna od dvije najgluplje priče u ovoj zbirci.
2. Na dražbi rubinskih cipelica
Ova priča savršeno dočarava ludilo zapadnjačkog potrošačkog društva i ideju kako će svaka roba naći svog kupca. Rushdie kao da ju je napisao u ovom našem dobu društvenih mreža u kojem je normalna pomama za nekim nebitnim predmetom kad ga influenceri spomenu.
I je li moguće da je Weir u ovoj priči dobio ideju za svog Marsovca?!?!?
3. Kristofor Kolumbo i kraljica Izabela Španjolska ispunjavaju svoj odnos *
Onak, WTF?
ISTOK, ZAPAD
1. Suglasje sfera ****
Mislim da je ipak za sve bila kriva šizofrenija. A obrat na kraju � lajk.
2. Chekov i Zulu ***
Star Trek je valjda jedan od najboljih ambasadora za povezivanje ne samo istoka i zapada, nego svih rasa i religija na svijetu.
3. Udvornik
Joj ova mi je bila baš lijepa, i pomalo tužna, i zabavna. Savršeno pokazuje sudar svjetova, neshvaćanje različitosti i čežnju (starijih) za onim poznatim, onim svojim.
Book Club Osijek 2024. � 4 (Ana)
April 14, 2024
The Ties that Bind, Also Pull
In a well-crafted series of short-stories, Rushdie begins in the East, with three stories that reflect the way of life for people in the East; illustrating governmental graft and abuse, mystic religion, and violence. He then moves to the West with three stories that touch on our Western literature, capitalism, and imperialism. These are capped off with three stories that bind the whole together; illustrating the lives of Easterners who have come to the Western world. These capstones reveal the way immigrants are ever pulled in both directions by external and internal events, almost as if the gravity pull of the continents were pulling them apart.
Rushdie is a thoughtful writer, and his words carry you across oceans; immersing you into different societies. The endings are often unexpected. Actually, as a reader I was just caught up on the tide-washed shores, as I was following the rolling waves. The stories wash over you. You don't know where he is taking you. At times, you feel like an 'intimate stranger' gazing too long at other lives. By the time you close the book, you see that you have been reading about yourself as much as about a stranger. It is at once foreign and personal.
The following two quotes are an example of Rushdie's writing style. The book is well worth reading.
In a well-crafted series of short-stories, Rushdie begins in the East, with three stories that reflect the way of life for people in the East; illustrating governmental graft and abuse, mystic religion, and violence. He then moves to the West with three stories that touch on our Western literature, capitalism, and imperialism. These are capped off with three stories that bind the whole together; illustrating the lives of Easterners who have come to the Western world. These capstones reveal the way immigrants are ever pulled in both directions by external and internal events, almost as if the gravity pull of the continents were pulling them apart.
Rushdie is a thoughtful writer, and his words carry you across oceans; immersing you into different societies. The endings are often unexpected. Actually, as a reader I was just caught up on the tide-washed shores, as I was following the rolling waves. The stories wash over you. You don't know where he is taking you. At times, you feel like an 'intimate stranger' gazing too long at other lives. By the time you close the book, you see that you have been reading about yourself as much as about a stranger. It is at once foreign and personal.
The following two quotes are an example of Rushdie's writing style. The book is well worth reading.
"We the public, are easily, lethally offended. We have come to think of taking offence as a fundamental right. We value very little more highly than our rage, which gives us, in our opinion, the moral high ground. From this high ground we can shoot down our enemies and inflict heavy fatalities. We take pride in our short fuses. Our anger elevates, transcends."
"At sixteen, you still think you can escape from your father. You aren't listening to his voice speaking through your mouth, you don't see how your gestures already mirror his; you don't see him in the way you hold your body, in the way you sign your name. You don't hear his whisper in your blood."
July 27, 2017
GENERAL:
- short story collection
- enjoyable but not the most amazing
- some stories were more engaging than others
- common theme: the desire for transcendence
LIKES:
- pacing of each story, as well as the overall collection, was great.
- Rushdie displayed an impressively wide range of writing styles.
- each story had amazing endings that were punchy and left me awed.
- "Harmony of the Spheres" was one that moved the best. Captivating beginning. Plot that moves forward (but doesn't rush). Strong ending.
DISLIKES:
- not as magic realism as the others works I've read by him.... only "At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers" and "The Prophet's Hair" were sort of fantasy-esque
- "Yorick" was hard to understand for me. But that's a me problem and not an author problem.
- "Chekhov and Zulu" was also hard to understand in parts because of the Star Trek references.
SHORT STORIES RANKED:
- "The Courter"
- "Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain Consummate their Relationship"
- "The Prophet's Hair"
- "The Harmony of the Spheres"
- "The Free Radio"
- "Good Advice is Rarer than Rubies"
- "Chekhov and Zulu"
- "At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers"
- "Yorick"
- short story collection
- enjoyable but not the most amazing
- some stories were more engaging than others
- common theme: the desire for transcendence
LIKES:
- pacing of each story, as well as the overall collection, was great.
- Rushdie displayed an impressively wide range of writing styles.
- each story had amazing endings that were punchy and left me awed.
- "Harmony of the Spheres" was one that moved the best. Captivating beginning. Plot that moves forward (but doesn't rush). Strong ending.
DISLIKES:
- not as magic realism as the others works I've read by him.... only "At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers" and "The Prophet's Hair" were sort of fantasy-esque
- "Yorick" was hard to understand for me. But that's a me problem and not an author problem.
- "Chekhov and Zulu" was also hard to understand in parts because of the Star Trek references.
SHORT STORIES RANKED:
- "The Courter"
- "Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain Consummate their Relationship"
- "The Prophet's Hair"
- "The Harmony of the Spheres"
- "The Free Radio"
- "Good Advice is Rarer than Rubies"
- "Chekhov and Zulu"
- "At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers"
- "Yorick"
December 16, 2017
My first of Salman Rushdie and I'm quite nervous about it. Heard a lot about this author and been thinking to try out reading a book or two by him but haven't had a chance, yet. But luckily I got this short stories book from the Big Bad Wolf so I guess it will do as my first reading from Salman Rushdie.
The book separated to three part-- East, West and East, West. I really love the East part, enjoyed reading all of the 3 stories-- narratives were gripping, took me into a journey of cultural and tradition, family and religious. While the West part was a bit confusing and thought-provoking for me (I actually twice reading the Christopher Columbus story pheww!). I was a bit blurred at this part and really trying my best to enjoy my read. The writings took me into an imaginary and bizarre feeling but somehow I love the writing style a lot. It seems 'heavy' but quite impressive. East, West was my favorite as well, the balance of the other two parts-- I love Chekov and Zulu so much! Wonderful prose and entertaining.
A very intriguing book, I may say. Not bad for my first. 3.5*!
The book separated to three part-- East, West and East, West. I really love the East part, enjoyed reading all of the 3 stories-- narratives were gripping, took me into a journey of cultural and tradition, family and religious. While the West part was a bit confusing and thought-provoking for me (I actually twice reading the Christopher Columbus story pheww!). I was a bit blurred at this part and really trying my best to enjoy my read. The writings took me into an imaginary and bizarre feeling but somehow I love the writing style a lot. It seems 'heavy' but quite impressive. East, West was my favorite as well, the balance of the other two parts-- I love Chekov and Zulu so much! Wonderful prose and entertaining.
A very intriguing book, I may say. Not bad for my first. 3.5*!
April 3, 2017
Salman Rushdie is the master of the English language and it shows in these nine short stories. The stories are simple and the collection is neatly divided into three stories from India, three from the west and three hybrid stories. Plus, Rushdie knows how to spin a tale - short, concise and often with a great punch. "The Harmony of the Spheres" is very disturbing and yet :Good Advice is Rarer than Rubies" is a wonderful love story. He covers all the bases even with a sci-fi futuristic story "At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers".
I am a big Rushdie fan and this is one of the few books that I haven't read. Having read his autobiography "Joseph Anton" recently, I see the importance of this book. Written after "The Satanic Verses" controversy, he tried to bridge the gap but sadly the "believers" didn't buy it. Now thirty years later, I see it as an act of beauty and truth that shows its relevance to our modern world of cross cultures. We need more stories!
I am a big Rushdie fan and this is one of the few books that I haven't read. Having read his autobiography "Joseph Anton" recently, I see the importance of this book. Written after "The Satanic Verses" controversy, he tried to bridge the gap but sadly the "believers" didn't buy it. Now thirty years later, I see it as an act of beauty and truth that shows its relevance to our modern world of cross cultures. We need more stories!
October 27, 2017
This was a good collection of short stories, couple of which bordered into fantasy - which to my greater delight and surprise - I enjoyed! This book has three parts - East, West, East-West, with very different writing styles. East was a collection of stories which very much reminded me of someone like Manto - the writing style of his translated work. The themes/stories not as evocative for me. 3/5. Though the story 'the prophet's hair' in East collection was a giant ball of absurdity which I enjoyed. West - 4.5/5+. I loved it! The writing style, subtle humor, narrative and touch of fantasy! Pleasurable. Fun! It led me to want to explore Rushdie more. :) East-West was good. Overall, a good enjoyable collection.
October 31, 2023
Gems, all of them.
December 4, 2019
The book has three parts with 3 stories each. Thankfully, I have pretty similar feelings about the stories in each part so I won’t have to do a review of each story.
I loved the stories in the “East� part (5 stars) because they were very atmospheric, at the same time grounded in the not always rosy reality and somewhat distant, blurry, archetypal. I don’t want to use the term magical realism because it wouldn’t fit, but I had much the same feeling, that the stories were not about real persons but about mythological actors. The plots themselves were engrossing and even seemed to have a “moral�. You could find elements of fables as well.
The last part, the meeting of “East� and “West� was also wonderful (5 stars). This time the stories feel very realistic, even limited and enclosed by their surroundings. The characters are unique and interesting, but also endearing. As opposed to the second part, they are very mundane, regular people. The cultural encounters are done very well and very subtly. At the same time, major cultural events take place on the edges of the stories, in the background, and their echoes of even their direct influence are felt by the characters.
Now then, to the elephant in the room, the middle part “West�. I’ll be honest and admit that this part went completely over my head. I am missing it’s point so badly it’s nowhere in sight. I have been trying to figure out what the author was trying to do and I can almost see it. I think he was going for western archetypes. Trying to identify some of the central myths at the core of western identity and self-conception. He takes up Hamlet and Columbus and the materialism and consumption that our societies and economic systems are based around. And it’s a very smart idea, very smartly done. I can tell that there is excellent craftsmanship and finesse in the stories. But they just seem to be beating you over the head with their themes and at the same time they don’t really fit for me, they didn’t elicit any emotional reaction or intellectual realization. This could be due to the fact that I’m not actually part of the West. On the contrary, I was born in the East. The fact that I haven’t read Hamlet is definitely detrimental to my enjoyment of its reimagining. And yet, I can’t help but wonder whether this part may just generally not be as on point as the other two. I don’t feel like I’m entitled to judge that though, since I quite obviously don’t get it.
I loved the stories in the “East� part (5 stars) because they were very atmospheric, at the same time grounded in the not always rosy reality and somewhat distant, blurry, archetypal. I don’t want to use the term magical realism because it wouldn’t fit, but I had much the same feeling, that the stories were not about real persons but about mythological actors. The plots themselves were engrossing and even seemed to have a “moral�. You could find elements of fables as well.
The last part, the meeting of “East� and “West� was also wonderful (5 stars). This time the stories feel very realistic, even limited and enclosed by their surroundings. The characters are unique and interesting, but also endearing. As opposed to the second part, they are very mundane, regular people. The cultural encounters are done very well and very subtly. At the same time, major cultural events take place on the edges of the stories, in the background, and their echoes of even their direct influence are felt by the characters.
Now then, to the elephant in the room, the middle part “West�. I’ll be honest and admit that this part went completely over my head. I am missing it’s point so badly it’s nowhere in sight. I have been trying to figure out what the author was trying to do and I can almost see it. I think he was going for western archetypes. Trying to identify some of the central myths at the core of western identity and self-conception. He takes up Hamlet and Columbus and the materialism and consumption that our societies and economic systems are based around. And it’s a very smart idea, very smartly done. I can tell that there is excellent craftsmanship and finesse in the stories. But they just seem to be beating you over the head with their themes and at the same time they don’t really fit for me, they didn’t elicit any emotional reaction or intellectual realization. This could be due to the fact that I’m not actually part of the West. On the contrary, I was born in the East. The fact that I haven’t read Hamlet is definitely detrimental to my enjoyment of its reimagining. And yet, I can’t help but wonder whether this part may just generally not be as on point as the other two. I don’t feel like I’m entitled to judge that though, since I quite obviously don’t get it.
February 26, 2023
3.5
on the whole i actually liked these short stories, though definitely with a preference to the east and the east, west stories - the west stories began to lose me, with ‘yorick� feeling especially uninspired and disjointed from the other works. unsurprisingly, rushdie pulls off magical realism incredibly well, though i found i most preferred the simple and honest story of 'the harmony of spheres', in which a man reflects on his relationship with a friend whose schizophrenia leads to his suicide.
my only, and rather strong, grievance with this collection came when i considered his intention behind some of his allegories more deeply - i.e. ‘the prophet’s hair� was thrilling to read and yet it left an odd taste in my mouth once i’d finished it; was the point of the story to state that the introduction of islam into the household, through the mythical vial of the prophet’s hair, was the ultimately the fatal flaw that brought on the family’s downfall?
of course, contextually, it’s understandable why he was possibly harbouring some resentment - this was, after all, written post fatwa, attempts on his life and immigration to the uk to be placed under police protection - but i don't appreciate the fact that he chose to reflect this by generalising the orthodox muslim dynamic to be decisively abusive and oppressive.
on the whole i actually liked these short stories, though definitely with a preference to the east and the east, west stories - the west stories began to lose me, with ‘yorick� feeling especially uninspired and disjointed from the other works. unsurprisingly, rushdie pulls off magical realism incredibly well, though i found i most preferred the simple and honest story of 'the harmony of spheres', in which a man reflects on his relationship with a friend whose schizophrenia leads to his suicide.
my only, and rather strong, grievance with this collection came when i considered his intention behind some of his allegories more deeply - i.e. ‘the prophet’s hair� was thrilling to read and yet it left an odd taste in my mouth once i’d finished it; was the point of the story to state that the introduction of islam into the household, through the mythical vial of the prophet’s hair, was the ultimately the fatal flaw that brought on the family’s downfall?
of course, contextually, it’s understandable why he was possibly harbouring some resentment - this was, after all, written post fatwa, attempts on his life and immigration to the uk to be placed under police protection - but i don't appreciate the fact that he chose to reflect this by generalising the orthodox muslim dynamic to be decisively abusive and oppressive.
January 26, 2013
An early collection of geographically separated stories by Salman Rushdie. Comprising of three stories each for the segments East, West and East and West, it's an easy read, but not exactly satisfying. I would have rated it lower had it not been for the final story, The Courter. The story of a hall porter and "courter" of the narrator's ayah Mary, it is borrowed from Rushdie's own complicated life. It has shades of Midnight's Children and some of its poignancy. As such, it is the only one that rings true.
There are a couple of other amusing stories. From the segment East, The Free Radio, of a hapless rickshaw driver who falls into the hands of an unscrupulous widow who makes him dream impossible dreams. Also from East, The Prophet's Hair, the story of a liberal man turning into a conservative monster as soon as he comes upon a hair of the Prophet Mohammed. And from East and West, Chekov and Zulu, of an ideological difference between two Trekkie friends who go by the names Chekov and Zulu.
What makes this story collection almost unpalatable is the whole of West. The three stories that comprise it highlight not so much as the West's (supposed) moral bankruptcy as it does Rushdie's reluctance to go beyond that trope. I expected more of him.
There are a couple of other amusing stories. From the segment East, The Free Radio, of a hapless rickshaw driver who falls into the hands of an unscrupulous widow who makes him dream impossible dreams. Also from East, The Prophet's Hair, the story of a liberal man turning into a conservative monster as soon as he comes upon a hair of the Prophet Mohammed. And from East and West, Chekov and Zulu, of an ideological difference between two Trekkie friends who go by the names Chekov and Zulu.
What makes this story collection almost unpalatable is the whole of West. The three stories that comprise it highlight not so much as the West's (supposed) moral bankruptcy as it does Rushdie's reluctance to go beyond that trope. I expected more of him.
February 24, 2019
Rating: 4.5 stars
Okay. Rushdie is just a master.
These short stories had so much depth to them, and I loved that they were still enjoyable to read. You think you're getting these fun stories about fantasy and reality, but in fact each one had its own unique message. My favorites are The Courter and At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers, though each story had its own merits.
An enjoyable read overall! I will note that I am glad I was able to talk about most of the stories in class, because otherwise I probably wouldn't understand most of the messages...
Okay. Rushdie is just a master.
These short stories had so much depth to them, and I loved that they were still enjoyable to read. You think you're getting these fun stories about fantasy and reality, but in fact each one had its own unique message. My favorites are The Courter and At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers, though each story had its own merits.
An enjoyable read overall! I will note that I am glad I was able to talk about most of the stories in class, because otherwise I probably wouldn't understand most of the messages...
March 24, 2023
Good riddance
The issue with postmodern literature is always that the line between the author doing something genius and the author doing just� too many things is a little thin�
I liked our discussion in class, but reading it? Not so sure
The issue with postmodern literature is always that the line between the author doing something genius and the author doing just� too many things is a little thin�
I liked our discussion in class, but reading it? Not so sure
January 13, 2021
"East, West, home's best." -- 19th-century proverb *
If one has a foot in two regions where then is home? In these nine short stories -- three published for the first time in this collection -- Salman Rushdie explores the disorientation that some experience when cultures collide.
These aren't polemical essays, however, but character studies, thumbnail sketches which allow us insights into individual lives with all their comforts and dilemmas, and as such are a joy to read. They include vignettes, parodies, fables and mini-tragedies, each item with an independent life but all linked by themes, imagination and wit.
The nine stories are presented in three sections -- East, then West, finally East, West -- and are written in a variety of contrasting styles and voices.
The first section includes three tales set in India: two are tragi-comedies from unnamed cities, one near Lahore in the Punjab and the other somewhere in the northern Deccan, while the third piece is a true tragedy from Srinagar in the state of Kashmir and Jammu in the first half of the 20th century. "Good Advice is Rarer than Rubies" describes a woman applying for a visa for an arranged marriage in England, but what are her true motives when she consults with a freelance adviser in the compound before the British consulate? "The Free Radio" tells of a handsome but gullible rickshaw wallah who, while setting up with a thief's widow, harbours ambitions to be a Bollywood star. "The Prophet's Hair" tells of the terrible fate that befalls a well-off family in Srinagar when a precious relic comes into their possession.
The second section also contains three tales, this time with connections to Western Europe. "Yorick" is written in the style of the author of the cock-and-bull story The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, Laurence Sterne, and has all the playfulness one might expect from that writer. It is simultaneously a conversational skit on Hamlet and on Shakespeare's inspiration, the Danish legend of Amleth: Yorick is the comic gravedigger in the play, his name a version of the Scandinavian name Iorek but which also was the name of the character assumed by Sterne himself for his chef-d'oeuvre and for Rushdie has clearly had great fun writing this pastiche and playing around with characters' roles, as too will the reader armed with this knowledge. This is followed by the author's enthusiasm for The Wizard of Oz manifested in "At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers", another tour de force using the historic present for much of the narrative and indulging in joyous flights of fancy.
The third of this trio of tales is encumbered with the title "Christopher Columbus & Queen Isabella of Spain Consummate Their Relationship (Santa Fé, AD 1492)". In the Iberian region of Grenada, with rulers deciding the fates of Moors and Jews, an Italian mariner petitions the monarch to finance a voyage into the unknown, a petitioning that comes close to a wooing when first one protagonist, then the other, plays hard to get. Courtiers give a running commentary. How will it end?
The final section highlights the uneasy relationship between the East, represented by India, and the essence of the West as vested in a Britain which the author knows all too well. The matters discussed in "The Harmony of the Spheres" may be familiar to anyone around in the sixties and later, especially in the curious hybrid cults that arose from submersion in occult and mystical traditions from both the Occident and the Orient. Welshman Eliot Crane retires to the Welsh Marches after a lifetime crossing the borders between sanity and madness. His friend, who's not too far distant in nature from the author, observes matters both from afar and from much closer than he imagines.
"Chekhov and Zulu" begins as a humorous take on Star Trek fans hailing from the subcontinent; now that they're ensconced in powerful diplomatic and security echelons in 1980s Britain at the time of Indira Gandhi's assassination, it soon becomes apparent that beneath the surface levity more serious matters are afoot. Finally "The Courter" brings us close to autobiografiction with a story of a Pakistani family in London during the sixties, with a narrator applying for British citizenship during the time of Enoch Powell's incendiary Rivers of Blood speech while observing the blossoming relationship between his aya and the porter at the entrance to the block of flats.
Taken together, this nonet of brief narratives offers us a wonderful gallery of canvases with clearly defined portraits and atmospheric settings. The language and speech patterns both characters and narrators to me seems spot on, and each tale comes across as distinct, precise and well crafted. There is darkness as well as light, grave issues tempered by laugh-out-loud moments, all couched in a range of tenses and voices and tones.
In East, West Rushdie transports us across the world on the wings of a simurgh, dropping us down in the midst of vibrant relationships; at the same time this collection feels like the literary equivalent of Mumbai's monumental Gateway to India, the point at which East and West meet, the border crossing between cultures. Where then is home to be located when one is in transit?
[ * Walter Keating Kelly, Proverbs of all Nations (1859) translated a German proverb, Ost und West, daheim das Best, as 'East and west, at home the best', while Charles Spurgeon's John Ploughman’s Talk (1869) rendered it as 'East and west, Home is best.']
May 31, 2021
Salman Rushdie's occasional magical realism elements, occasional cliffhangers find themselves sprinkled in this medley of short stories, which carry the theme of intermingling of Indian-foreign cultures and fates. These stories by themselves are rendered beautiful not just by the author's panache in narration, but also by this complex palate and diversity of styles across stories which make any curation of objects interesting. Some deal with Indians immigrating/immigrated to England in a post Indian-independence world and making/trying to make a future within the usual hostility towards an outsider, and accompanied by the loneliness that distance naturally creates. Some are well adapted and have embraced/have been embraced to feel that they belong in this modern world that exists beyond national boundaries and conflicting pasts. Some are just caught in the after-effects of the changes that the colonial British left in their wake. And then there are stories which are just happening irrespective of the space and time, but have this exploratory element of human nature which connects everything. The dichotomy of the two opposites that east and west represent are first observed separately, and then, as naturally as we think of the confluence point of these two poles in our mind, do we arrive at probably the highlight, the east-west section that concludes this anthology where the author shows us his acumen for changing styles like one changes clothes.
East
Good Advice Is Rarer Than Rubies - The pathos of unconventional romance, a signal for modernity and western freedom.
The Free Radio - An unfulfilled reality compensated by imagination, the universal allure and caution of foreign promises.
The Prophet's Hair - (Probably the most magical-realist of all) The corrupting and potential of native beliefs.
West
Yorick - (One of the most creative ones!) Imagines the childhood of Prince Hamlet and how he is driven towards scheming patricide through his jester - The controlling grip of passions and consequences of abandoning reason in the face of it.
At The Auction of the Ruby Slippers - (My favourite, by far!) Some underground bidding over a pair of shoes whose magic can solve any world problem - A powerful symbol of how lives are universally pivoted and altered around the fantastical pursuit of certain dreams advertised as the solution-to-all-problems.
Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain Consummate Their Relationship (Santa Fé, AD 1492) - A tribute to the spirit of exploration and challenge that individuals feed on to fulfil a sense of purpose in their lives.
East, West
The Harmony of the Spheres - Friendship between a Welsh and an Indian origin person connected by a love for occult and dark magic - The allure of escapism and how it dangerous it can be.
Chekov and Zulu - Friendship between two Indian origin British officials who were connected by a love of Star Trek - A contrast between how two people adapt to lives in a foreign place and diverge paths despite an endearing connection.
The Courter - (Brilliant conclusion!) Courtship between an Ayah/house-help and a porter - The mis-fitness of two foreigners connects them through love and brings vitality to the otherwise draught of their own lives.
East
Good Advice Is Rarer Than Rubies - The pathos of unconventional romance, a signal for modernity and western freedom.
The Free Radio - An unfulfilled reality compensated by imagination, the universal allure and caution of foreign promises.
The Prophet's Hair - (Probably the most magical-realist of all) The corrupting and potential of native beliefs.
West
Yorick - (One of the most creative ones!) Imagines the childhood of Prince Hamlet and how he is driven towards scheming patricide through his jester - The controlling grip of passions and consequences of abandoning reason in the face of it.
At The Auction of the Ruby Slippers - (My favourite, by far!) Some underground bidding over a pair of shoes whose magic can solve any world problem - A powerful symbol of how lives are universally pivoted and altered around the fantastical pursuit of certain dreams advertised as the solution-to-all-problems.
Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain Consummate Their Relationship (Santa Fé, AD 1492) - A tribute to the spirit of exploration and challenge that individuals feed on to fulfil a sense of purpose in their lives.
East, West
The Harmony of the Spheres - Friendship between a Welsh and an Indian origin person connected by a love for occult and dark magic - The allure of escapism and how it dangerous it can be.
Chekov and Zulu - Friendship between two Indian origin British officials who were connected by a love of Star Trek - A contrast between how two people adapt to lives in a foreign place and diverge paths despite an endearing connection.
The Courter - (Brilliant conclusion!) Courtship between an Ayah/house-help and a porter - The mis-fitness of two foreigners connects them through love and brings vitality to the otherwise draught of their own lives.
May 24, 2024
3 ulduzla 4 ulduz arasında qalmışdım. Amma 4 ün üzərində dayandım çünki yenidən Salman Rüşdüyə qayıdıb oxumaq fikrim var.
Kitab üç hissədən ibarətdir.
1.ə
2.ə
3.ə-ə
Şərq hissəsi koloritli, ətirli, mistik, sehrli və fərqli idi. Oxuyanda sanki ordasan, hər şey yanında, gözünün qabağında baş verir və sən də bu tamaşanın bir hissəsisən.
Qərb hissəsi isə əksinə koloritsiz, ətrsiz, mistikasız, sehrsiz və çox dolaşıq gəldi.
Şərq-qərb hissəsi isə hər ikisinin qarışığı idi.
Mətndə tənhalıq, əlacsızlıq, hüzn kifayət qədərdir. Görünür hindistanlı heç zaman axıra kimi ingilis ola bilmir... Olsa belə üzdə olur, necə deyərlər yalandan)))
Kitab üç hissədən ibarətdir.
1.ə
2.ə
3.ə-ə
Şərq hissəsi koloritli, ətirli, mistik, sehrli və fərqli idi. Oxuyanda sanki ordasan, hər şey yanında, gözünün qabağında baş verir və sən də bu tamaşanın bir hissəsisən.
Qərb hissəsi isə əksinə koloritsiz, ətrsiz, mistikasız, sehrsiz və çox dolaşıq gəldi.
Şərq-qərb hissəsi isə hər ikisinin qarışığı idi.
Mətndə tənhalıq, əlacsızlıq, hüzn kifayət qədərdir. Görünür hindistanlı heç zaman axıra kimi ingilis ola bilmir... Olsa belə üzdə olur, necə deyərlər yalandan)))
May 25, 2018
" Un sfat bun e mai de pret ca aurul"
October 31, 2022
Prva polovina knjige smještena je na Istok i te su mi se priče nesumnjivo više dopale od onih sa Zapada. U svim pričama Rushdie zadržava ironični ton i humor, ali na Istoku to puno bolje funkcionira (valjda zbog nedostatka britanske atmosfere, šta god ona bila u ovom djelu).
April 18, 2022
I’ll start off by saying that I’m not really a fan or avid reader of short stories, so this probably impacted my thoughts on the book. A few of the short stories were entertaining, but overall I kind of missed the point or the central thesis of all of the stories. Not a huge fan, but it was a quick read.
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