Rushdie never imagined his Satanic Verses would lead to nine years of incarceration with live-in armed Special Forces. This story of those years - the pseudonym from two favourite authors, Conrad and Chekhov - makes fascinating and horrifying reading. The British press disgustingly kicking one who's down, publishers and friends exhibiting great courage, Rushdie struggling to preserve his sense of self and regain his freedom. Disconcertingly many wives and much name-dropping but a truly extraordinary story, lucidly told.
(Annabel Bedini - bwl 68 Spring 2013 ) |
