In Salman Rushdie's "Victory City," readers are transported to Bisnaga, a magnificent yet besieged city in the 14th century. Here's what you need to know:
## Synopsis
Salman Rushdie's "Victory City" is a captivating historical novel set in Vijayanagara, the legendary capital city of the powerful Hindu empire that ruled South India in the 14th century.
The story revolves around two orphaned siblings, Pampa Kampana and her brother Hiriya, who are adopted by a mysterious woman named Kamala and a benevolent musician named Ramu. As they grow up in the vibrant and bustling city, Pampa discovers her gift for storytelling while Hiriya becomes a skilled musician. Their lives are intertwined with the fate of Vijayanagara and its enigmatic ruler, King Krishnadevaraya.
As the kingdom faces threats from invading armies and internal conflicts, Pampa's stories become a powerful force. Her words ignite the spirit of resistance and forge alliances between diverse factions. Hiriya's music, imbued with magical powers, plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Vijayanagara.
Through their extraordinary talents and unwavering determination, Pampa and Hiriya find their own place in the tapestry of history. Their journey is one of resilience, courage, and the indomitable power of storytelling in the face of adversity.
Book Details
Author | Salman Rushdie |
Publisher | Random House |
Pub Date | February 9, 2013 |
ISBN | 9780307718096 |
Page Count | 320 |
Categories | Fiction, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism |
About The Author
Salman Rushdie was born in Mumbai, India, in 1947. He studied at the University of Cambridge and began his writing career in the early 1970s. His second novel, Midnight's Children (1981), won the Booker Prize and established him as a major literary figure. Rushdie's work has been widely praised for its lyrical prose, imaginative storytelling, and exploration of themes such as identity, history, and the clash of cultures.
In 1988, Rushdie published The Satanic Verses, a novel that sparked controversy and prompted death threats from Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini. Rushdie was forced to go into hiding for several years, but he continued to write and publish. His subsequent novels include Haroun and the Sea of Stories (1990), The Moor's Last Sigh (1995), Shalimar the Clown (2005), and Luka and the Fire of Life (2010).
Rushdie has also written non-fiction works, including Imaginary Homelands (1991) and Step Across This Line (2002). He has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (1999), the PEN Pinter Prize (2008), and the Man Booker International Prize (2017). Rushdie is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He is currently a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University.
Review
Victory City is a sweeping and ambitious novel by Salman Rushdie. It tells the story of Pampa Kampana, a young Indian woman who is born into poverty and becomes a successful businesswoman. The novel follows Pampa's journey as she navigates the challenges of love, loss, and betrayal.
Rushdie's writing is lyrical and evocative, and he creates a vivid and believable world for his characters. Victory City is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a rewarding one. Rushdie has written a powerful and moving story about the resilience of the human spirit.
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Overall:
Victory City is a must-read for fans of Salman Rushdie and anyone interested in Indian history and culture.
Where to Read
This book is available in bookstores.
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