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Shalimar the Clown
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
Shalimar the Clown is a masterpiece from one of our greatest writers, a dazzling novel that brings together the fiercest passions of the heart and the gravest conflicts of our time into an astonishingly powerful, all-encompassing story. Max Ophuls memorable life ends violently in Los Angeles in 1993 when he is murdered by his Muslim driver Noman Sher Noman, also known as Shalimar the Clown. At first the crime seems to be politically motivatedOphuls was previously ambassador to India, and later US counterterrorism chiefbut it is much more. Ophuls is a giant, an architect of the modern world: a Resistance hero and best-selling author, brilliant economist and clandestine US intelligence official. But it is as Ambassador to India that the seeds of his demise are planted, thanks to another of his great rolesirresistible lover. Visiting the Kashmiri village of Pachigam, Ophuls lures an impossibly beautiful dancer, the ambitious (and willing) Boonyi Kaul, away from her husband, and installs her as his mistress in Delhi. But their affair cannot be kept secret, and when Boonyi returns home, disgraced and obese, it seems that all she has waiting for her is the inevitable revenge of her husband: Noman Sher Noman, Shalimar the Clown. He was an acrobat and tightrope walker in their villages traditional theatrical troupe; but soon Shalimar is trained as a militant in Kashmirs increasingly brutal insurrection, and eventually becomes a terrorist with a global remit and a deeply personal mission of vengeance. In this stunningly rich book everything is connected, and everyone is a part of everyone else. A powerful love story, intensely political and historically informed, Shalimar the Clown is also profoundly human, an involving story of peoples lives, desires and crises, as well asin typical Rushdie fashiona magical tale where the dead speak and the future can be foreseen.
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Ididsoidid
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
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Pickpick

A novel about love and revenge where characters traverse Kashmir, Europe and California. Their lives parallel the history and politics of the nations involved, and each new event adds to the depth and richness of their narrative. A few too many tangents but some of these were also the most enjoyable parts of the book. 7/10 Sad to hear of the attack on Rushdie and I hope his condition improves.

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Naj
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
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#adventrecommends Day 1

This book is very close to my heart because it's partly set in my hometown - Kashmir. A story both beautiful and tragic, much like the place it describes. I first read this around 5 years ago when I had just moved out of Kashmir and it brought me closer to home. Do read this if you can AFTER Christmas because it is a sad book.

@emilyrose_x

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Ericalambbrown
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
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I really enjoyed this book. I tend to love Rushdie‘s combination of surrealist fantasy and history - this one did not disappoint. If you are looking for a place to start with Rushdie‘s work, this may be a good choice.

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Sapphire
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
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Sapphire
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
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What an amazing evening with a literary master craftsman.

MrBook Oh, wow! That's magnificent! 😊👍🏻👏🏻 8y
Theresa Where was this & how can we turn back time so I can be there?? 😝 8y
Sapphire @Theresa Washington National Cathedral. It was amazing. His remarks were so personal. The Eudora Welty Lecture series (annual) is going to be one to watch. Each author will speak on the beginnings of creativity and writing. This was the inaugural event, a joint venture of her foundation and the pen/Faulkner foundation. 8y
Theresa Thanks for the info. I signed up for their mailing list. 8y
10 likes4 comments
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JPeterson
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
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A well-known, well-respected author who I have somehow managed to avoid until now. A random pickup at a used book store, I was amazed at how he weaved his characters stories throughout the narrative. Hopefully before the end of 2016, I will get into more of Rushdie's ground-breaking novels.

Trav I've never read either of them but I've been recommended The Satanic Verses and Midnight's Children. 8y
TheWellReadOwl Midnight's Children. Jump in, take it slow and savor the sentences. It's a masterpiece. I think The Ground Beneath Her Feet is under-appreciated but I have not reread it in at least 10 years. Curious whether I'd still like it now. 8y
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vanessacav
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
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Another fantastic Rushdie novel about the destructive power of the need for revenge. The characters are so wholly created and the beauty of Kashmir is truly captured, and then bam! He hits you with bloodshed and bitterness. Great novel.

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vanessacav
Shalimar the Clown | Salman Rushdie
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