Midnight’s Children is a highly acclaimed novel by the Indian-British author Salman Rushdie, first published in 1981 by Jonathan Cape in the United Kingdom and by Alfred A. Knopf in the United States. The book is a blend of magical realism, postcolonial exploration, and metafiction, intricately tying its narrative to India’s political and cultural history during its transition from British rule to independence.
The novel’s protagonist, Saleem Sinai, narrates his life story, intertwining his personal journey with the historical events that defined modern India.
Salman Rushdie, born in 1947, became a central figure in the literary world with the publication of Midnight’s Children. A master of blending fiction with history, Rushdie was later awarded the Booker Prize in 1981 for this work, alongside the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. The novel was not only a significant literary achievement but also marked a milestone in postcolonial literature.
The novel falls into multiple genres: magic realism, historiographic metafiction, and postcolonial fiction. It is a narrative that blends the magical with the mundane, presenting real historical events through the lens of fantastical elements.
Rushdie uses the genre of magic realism to tell the tale of Saleem Sinai, who, born at the exact moment of India’s independence, becomes a conduit for exploring the nation’s divided identity. The story spans across several decades, from the moment of independence to the emergency period under Indira Gandhi’s rule, reflecting on the tumultuous political and social changes of post-colonial India.
Midnight’s Children is deeply embedded in the cultural and historical context of India’s independence. The period of partition, the creation of India, and the political turbulence in its wake all form the backbone of this narrative. However, the magical realism allows Rushdie to explore themes of identity, memory, and history in a way that conventional realism could not.
Midnight’s Children stands as a monumental work in postcolonial literature, seamlessly weaving together personal history with national trauma.
Through the eyes of Saleem Sinai, Rushdie crafts a rich tapestry of India’s evolution from colonialism to independence, showcasing the complexities of identity, the power of memory, and the burden of history. With its unique narrative structure and blending of the magical with the real, this novel not only captures the essence of India’s transformation but also challenges the boundaries of storytelling itself.
1. Background
Midnight’s Children was written during a time of intense political and cultural transformation in India. Published in 1981, it was a period when the country was experiencing a deep reflection on its post-independence identity.
India had gained independence in 1947, and the subsequent years were marked by complex issues such as partition, communal violence, and the struggle for national unity amidst a diverse population.
The novel’s backdrop is deeply tied to these historical events. Rushdie uses the character of Saleem Sinai, who is born at the exact moment India gained independence, as a symbol of the nation’s birth. Saleem, much like his country, is born with both promise and trauma, carrying the weight of history in a literal and figurative sense.
The narrative’s span from 1947 through the mid-1970s mirrors the turbulent times that India faced—marked by wars, political upheaval, and shifting cultural identities.
Rushdie blends personal history with the nation’s collective trauma, presenting a novel that is not just about the life of one man but also about the nation’s shared experience. Midnight’s Children is thus a critical commentary on the political and cultural conditions of postcolonial India, where the boundaries of identity—whether national, religious, or individual—are constantly in flux.
2. Summary of Midnight’s Children
Plot Overview:
Midnight’s Children begins with Saleem Sinai, the novel’s protagonist and narrator, recounting his life story. He was born at the exact moment of India’s independence on August 15, 1947, and as such, his life becomes inextricably tied to the fate of the nation.
The moment of his birth, when the clock struck midnight, marks a magical convergence: Saleem, along with all children born in India between midnight and 1 a.m. on that day, is endowed with unique, supernatural powers.
Saleem, in particular, has telepathic abilities, allowing him to communicate with the other Midnight’s Children—a group of 1001 children, each with their own special powers. As the narrative unfolds, Saleem becomes the leader of this group, organizing the Midnight’s Children’s Conference to bring together these children from different cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. Their gathering serves as an allegory for India’s post-independence diversity and its struggle to unify.
The novel is divided into three books, each chronicling a different stage of Saleem’s life. In the first book, we learn about Saleem’s family history and the dramatic moments leading up to and following India’s independence.
His family’s journey is intertwined with the nation’s political upheavals, including the partition of India, which separates his family and many others. Saleem’s grandfather, Aadam Aziz, a Kashmiri doctor, plays a pivotal role in the family’s story and the broader narrative, being the first character to encounter the idea of fate and national destiny.
The second part of the novel takes us through Saleem’s childhood in the city of Delhi, during the time of the partition and subsequent wars. Saleem’s family migrates to different parts of the country, each move revealing more about the state of the nation and the emotional toll of partition. During this period, Saleem also uncovers his magical powers, which allows him to connect with the other Midnight’s Children.
Alongside his journey, we learn about the larger political landscape, including the rise of Indira Gandhi’s government and the declaration of the Emergency in 1975.
The third part of the novel delves into Saleem’s adulthood and the complexities that come with India’s struggles for identity.
Saleem faces personal tragedies, including a severe memory loss, political imprisonment, and the disbandment of the Midnight’s Children. The narrative becomes increasingly surreal, with the characters caught in a web of political and personal turmoil. Saleem, now a fractured man, must come to terms with his role in history, the fading powers of the Midnight’s Children, and the grim reality of India’s political climate.
Throughout the novel, Rushdie uses the device of magical realism to tell a story that is deeply political, emotional, and metaphysical.
The magical elements—such as the telepathic powers of Saleem and his fellow Midnight’s Children—serve as a metaphor for the larger forces of history, politics, and identity that shape the nation and the individual. In the end, Midnight’s Children is a story about memory, fate, and the complex interplay between personal history and national history.
Setting:
The novel’s setting is a vivid and multifaceted representation of postcolonial India. From the streets of Bombay to the tranquil waters of Kashmir, the locations Rushdie describes become characters in their own right, playing an active role in shaping the narrative.
The story moves across the Indian subcontinent, spanning from Kashmir in the north to the vibrant city of Bombay (now Mumbai), and even to Pakistan and Bangladesh. These geographic shifts represent the physical and cultural fragmentation that resulted from the partition and the political upheavals of the time.
In addition to the physical setting, Rushdie also presents the emotional and psychological landscape of India. The diverse and often conflicting regional, cultural, and religious identities of India are explored through the different characters and their interactions.
The magical realism employed by Rushdie blurs the lines between the real and the unreal, reflecting the chaotic and turbulent nature of postcolonial India.
3. Analysis
3.1 Characters:
One of the most compelling aspects of Midnight’s Children is its richly developed characters, each of whom represents various facets of postcolonial India. The characters, both central and peripheral, are deeply intertwined with the socio-political dynamics of the country. Here are some key characters:
Saleem Sinai
The protagonist and narrator, Saleem’s life is marked by the ups and downs of India’s history. Born at the exact moment of India’s independence, he believes his fate is inseparable from the country’s destiny.
Saleem’s internal conflict—his identity as both an individual and a symbol of national history—drives the narrative. As a character, he is both deeply connected to and estranged from his own life, representing the complexity of India’s postcolonial identity.
His telepathic powers allow him to connect with the Midnight’s Children, but as he grows, his personal loss and emotional fragmentation symbolize India’s struggles with unity and independence.
Shiva “of the Knees”
One of the Midnight’s Children with a tragic, violent nature, Shiva represents the dark, destructive forces of India’s history. Unlike Saleem, who becomes a passive victim of history, Shiva actively pursues power and violence, often as a means to exert control over his own fate.
His rivalry with Saleem forms a central part of the narrative, as their opposing trajectories mirror the internal conflict within the nation—between progress and destruction, unity and division.
Parvati-the-Witch
Another of the Midnight’s Children, Parvati possesses the magical ability to conjure and manipulate the forces of nature. Her role in the story represents India’s deep connection to spirituality and folklore. She is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the persistence of magic in the face of harsh reality.
Parvati’s deep bond with Saleem, especially through their shared psychic connection, is a testament to the novel’s theme of interconnectedness in a fragmented world.
Aadam Aziz
Saleem’s grandfather, Aadam, is a doctor who becomes disillusioned with both colonialism and religious orthodoxy. His character arc, from a devout believer to a man whose relationship with religion becomes increasingly complex, mirrors the larger societal shift in India. Aadam’s development also emphasizes the generational conflicts and tensions in the novel—how the older generation grapples with the changing political and cultural landscape of postcolonial India.
The Midnight’s Children:
The ensemble cast of children born at the stroke of midnight represent the diverse identities of postcolonial India.
Each child has unique abilities, reflecting the variety and complexity of the country’s population. Together, they embody the nation’s cultural, linguistic, religious, and political differences. The Midnight’s Children’s Conference, organized by Saleem, acts as a metaphor for the challenges of unifying such a diverse country.
Rushdie’s characters are multi-dimensional and represent the various facets of identity and history in postcolonial India. Each character’s personal journey is intertwined with the collective national experience, creating a tapestry of stories that explore the complexities of fate, power, and memory.
3.2 Writing Style and Structure:
Rushdie’s writing style in Midnight’s Children is both intricate and expansive, characterized by vivid imagery, humor, and a distinct use of language.
His narrative technique is complex, mixing first-person narration with magical realism and metafiction. The novel’s structure is non-linear, jumping between various times, places, and perspectives. This fractured approach reflects the chaos and confusion of postcolonial India, where the boundaries of history and identity are constantly shifting.
The novel’s use of magical realism allows Rushdie to weave fantastical elements into the narrative. These elements—such as Saleem’s telepathic powers, the Midnight’s Children’s unique abilities, and the surrealistic events that occur throughout the story—serve as a lens through which the tumultuous history of India is explored.
Rushdie’s magical realism is not just an aesthetic choice but a political one, as it challenges the limitations of traditional historical narrative, allowing for a deeper exploration of personal and national identity.
Rushdie’s use of language is another key aspect of the novel’s structure. He incorporates a mix of English, Indian languages, and colloquialisms, blending them into a form of “Indian English” that reflects the cultural hybridity of the nation.
This linguistic fluidity is crucial to the novel’s exploration of identity and belonging, as the characters’ use of language mirrors the multicultural, multi-lingual fabric of India.
The novel’s sprawling nature, its blend of the real and the surreal, and its complex narrative structure demand careful reading. However, this complexity is what gives the book its richness, making it a masterpiece of postcolonial literature.
3.3 Themes and Symbolism:
Midnight’s Children explores several themes that are central to postcolonial literature, such as identity, history, memory, and the consequences of colonialism. These themes are reflected not only in the characters’ experiences but also in the broader national context.
Identity and Belonging:
One of the novel’s central themes is the search for identity, both individual and national. Saleem’s identity is inseparable from the fate of India, and his journey is a quest to understand the fragmented nature of that identity. The Midnight’s Children, with their diverse powers and backgrounds, represent the multiplicity of Indian identity. The novel grapples with the question of what it means to belong to a country that is still finding its place in the world.
History and Memory:
The relationship between the individual and history is another key theme. The novel’s structure, with its non-linear storytelling and fantastical elements, reflects the complexities of memory and the way history is shaped by personal experiences. Saleem’s belief that history is his fault speaks to the power of memory in constructing identity, as well as the burden of history in shaping both personal and national destinies.
The Power of Fate:
The characters in Midnight’s Children are often subject to forces beyond their control—whether it’s the political upheaval of partition or the mystical powers bestowed upon them at birth.
The theme of fate is explored through Saleem’s own life, as he constantly struggles to understand his role in the larger scheme of things. The idea that the individual is both the maker and the victim of history is central to the novel’s exploration of postcolonial identity.
Magical Realism as a Symbol of National Trauma:
The magical realism in Midnight’s Children serves as a powerful symbol of the political and emotional trauma experienced by the nation.
The fantastical elements—such as the telepathic powers of the Midnight’s Children and the surreal events they experience—are reflective of the larger societal chaos in post-independence India.
The magical powers of the children symbolize the hope and potential of a newly independent nation, while their struggles reflect the hardships and disillusionment that followed.
Cultural Hybridity:
The blending of different cultures, languages, and traditions is another key theme in the novel. Saleem’s journey is one of discovering his hybrid identity, shaped by both his Indian heritage and the influences of colonialism. The use of “Indian English” in the novel reflects this cultural fusion, as it bridges the gap between colonial English and native Indian languages. The concept of cultural hybridity is central to understanding the postcolonial experience, where identities are constantly in flux.
3.4 Genre-Specific Elements:
Rushdie blends various genres within Midnight’s Children, but the two most prominent are magic realism and historical fiction.
The novel’s magical elements allow Rushdie to explore India’s history in a way that transcends traditional historical narratives, using symbolism and allegory to present the complexities of postcolonial identity.
The use of telepathy, mystical powers, and surreal events allows the reader to experience India’s history not just as a sequence of events but as a series of emotional and spiritual experiences.
The dialogue in the novel is vibrant and reflective of the diverse cultures and languages of India. The interplay of languages and dialects, along with the use of humor, satire, and political commentary, is crucial to the book’s appeal. The novel’s world-building is also remarkable, as it intricately constructs not only the physical landscape of India but also its cultural and emotional terrain.
Rushdie’s narrative also adheres to the conventions of magical realism, where the extraordinary is presented as ordinary. The blending of the magical and the real allows the reader to engage with history in a more intimate, emotional way. The fantastical elements in Midnight’s Children mirror the absurdity and tragedy of the political situation in India, making them central to the novel’s exploration of identity and history.
Great! Let’s continue with the Evaluation section, where we’ll assess the Strengths, Weaknesses, Impact, and more.
4. Evaluation
Strengths:
One of the most prominent strengths of Midnight’s Children is its ability to blend history with personal storytelling in a seamless and captivating way. Rushdie masterfully uses magical realism to present the complexities of postcolonial India, intertwining personal experiences with national history.
This fusion allows the reader to engage with the emotional, social, and political struggles of India through the eyes of its protagonist, Saleem Sinai.
The characters in the novel are richly drawn, each one complex and representative of the diversity within India. Saleem’s telepathic abilities, his connection with the other Midnight’s Children, and his introspective journey into his own identity make him a compelling protagonist.
The supporting characters, including Shiva, Parvati, and Aadam Aziz, add depth to the narrative and represent various facets of Indian society. Their interactions with each other and the world around them provide valuable insights into the internal conflicts of a newly independent nation.
Another notable strength is Rushdie’s writing style. The narrative is dense, yet highly poetic, with an intricate mix of humor, satire, and serious political commentary. The non-linear structure of the novel, where the narrative jumps between different times and perspectives, creates a layered experience for the reader.
Rushdie’s prose is richly descriptive, using vivid imagery that brings the various settings and characters to life. The choice to write the novel in “Indian English” adds authenticity to the characters and setting, making it a truly unique literary work.
Furthermore, the symbolism in the novel is rich and multifaceted. The magical powers of the Midnight’s Children serve as metaphors for India’s diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious makeup.
The theme of memory—both personal and collective—runs throughout the novel, as Saleem and India alike struggle to reconcile their past with their present. The metaphor of Saleem being “handcuffed to history” is powerful, as it reflects the inescapable nature of history in shaping individual identity and national destiny.
Weaknesses:
While Midnight’s Children is undoubtedly a remarkable work, it is not without its weaknesses. The complexity of the narrative, with its shifting time frames and large cast of characters, may make it difficult for some readers to follow.
The non-linear structure, while effective in conveying the theme of fragmented identity, can sometimes feel overwhelming. The reader is asked to pay close attention to the intricate details, and not everyone may appreciate this level of complexity.
Another potential weakness is the pacing. The novel’s extensive use of magical realism and its focus on political and cultural history can sometimes slow down the narrative. Some readers may find certain passages overly detailed, especially when the narrative delves into historical and political discussions.
These sections, while important for understanding the context of postcolonial India, may feel dense for those looking for a more straightforward narrative.
The tone of the novel also fluctuates between the humorous and the tragic, which can sometimes feel disorienting. While this tone reflects the absurdity and chaos of Indian history, it may be off-putting for readers who prefer a more consistent tone throughout the story. The blend of tragedy and comedy in the novel may not resonate with every reader, especially those seeking a more traditional, linear narrative structure.
Impact:
The impact of Midnight’s Children on both literature and society cannot be overstated. Upon its publication, the novel became a defining work of postcolonial literature, winning numerous prestigious awards, including the Booker Prize.
It was hailed for its innovative approach to storytelling, its rich use of magical realism, and its poignant critique of the political and cultural landscape of postcolonial India.
The novel’s influence extended beyond the literary world. Midnight’s Children helped establish Salman Rushdie as one of the most important voices in contemporary fiction. It also contributed to the broader conversation about the challenges faced by newly independent nations, particularly in terms of identity, memory, and the burden of history.
In the years since its release, the book has continued to resonate with readers and critics alike. Its themes of identity, fragmentation, and the interplay between personal and national history remain highly relevant, especially in a global context where issues of migration, nationalism, and cultural diversity continue to shape the world’s discourse.
The novel’s magical realism has inspired numerous writers and works of fiction, cementing its place as one of the key texts in postcolonial and contemporary world literature. Its success also paved the way for future Indian authors writing in English, opening the door for works that explore the complexities of identity, history, and colonial legacies.
Comparison with Similar Works:
When compared to other landmark works of postcolonial literature, Midnight’s Children stands out for its unique blend of magical realism and historical narrative.
It shares thematic similarities with Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, another masterpiece that uses magical realism to explore the complexities of a nation’s history.
Both novels tackle the impact of history on individual lives, blending the personal and the political in ways that challenge conventional historical narratives.
Rushdie’s work also draws comparisons to V. S. Naipaul’s A House for Mr. Biswas, which explores the challenges of identity and belonging in postcolonial societies. However, where Naipaul’s novel is more grounded in realism, Midnight’s Children uses the fantastical to explore India’s fragmented identity.
Additionally, Rushdie’s political critique of India’s post-independence experience, particularly through the character of Indira Gandhi, sets Midnight’s Children apart from other works that deal with the same historical period.
Reception and Criticism:
Midnight’s Children received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the most important works of contemporary literature. It won the Booker Prize in 1981 and was later awarded the Booker of Bookers in 1993 and 2008, celebrating its status as one of the greatest books to have ever won the Booker Prize. Critics praised its ambitious scope, intricate structure, and rich storytelling.
However, the novel also faced criticism from some quarters. Some readers found its complexity and non-linear narrative challenging, while others felt that the magical realism overshadowed the political themes of the novel.
Despite this, the critical reception of Midnight’s Children has been overwhelmingly positive, and it remains a central text in discussions of postcolonial literature.
Adaptation:
In 2012, Midnight’s Children was adapted into a film directed by Deepa Mehta. The film, like the novel, attempts to capture the sprawling narrative of Rushdie’s work, but it inevitably faces challenges in condensing such a complex and multi-layered story into a two-hour runtime.
While the film adaptation received mixed reviews, it introduced the novel to a wider audience and brought attention to the rich cultural and historical context of India’s postcolonial experience.
5. Personal Insight with Contemporary Educational Relevance:
Midnight’s Children offers significant insights into the postcolonial experience, which remains highly relevant to contemporary educational discussions, particularly those focusing on identity, memory, and the lasting impacts of historical events.
In today’s globalized world, where issues of nationalism, migration, and cultural hybridity are at the forefront of political and academic discourse, Salman Rushdie’s novel continues to provide valuable lessons.
The Relevance of Postcolonial Identity in Contemporary Education:
Rushdie’s exploration of identity and belonging in Midnight’s Children offers a profound educational tool for understanding the dynamics of postcolonial societies. The characters in the novel, particularly Saleem Sinai, struggle with a fragmented sense of self, torn between their personal histories and the national narrative.
This struggle mirrors the complexities faced by individuals in postcolonial countries today, who must navigate the legacies of colonialism while forging a modern, independent identity.
In classrooms around the world, discussions about identity, nationalism, and the concept of hybridity—the blending of cultural and ethnic backgrounds—have become increasingly important.
As nations around the world become more multicultural, understanding the tension between personal identity and national identity is crucial. Midnight’s Children provides a compelling lens through which students can examine these issues.
For instance, Rushdie’s portrayal of the diverse identities within India—whether religious, linguistic, or regional—mirrors current global discussions on cultural pluralism. The way the Midnight’s Children, with their supernatural gifts, represent various facets of India’s complexity, is particularly relevant to educational discussions about the integration of marginalized voices and cultures within a nation.
Scholars such as Homi K. Bhabha, who has extensively written about postcolonial theory and the concept of hybridity, offer valuable frameworks for understanding Rushdie’s work. Bhabha’s concept of the “third space” in postcolonial identity formation is crucial in analyzing Midnight’s Children’s exploration of multiplicity and identity politics.
History and Memory in Contemporary Education:
The novel’s examination of the relationship between individual memory and national history is especially relevant today as we grapple with the ways in which history is taught and remembered. In Midnight’s Children, Saleem’s personal history becomes intertwined with India’s national history, reflecting the interconnectedness of personal and collective memory.
This theme of historical memory resonates with contemporary debates around how history is represented in educational curricula and national narratives.
The novel challenges traditional historical accounts by showing how history is subjective and constructed, offering multiple viewpoints that reflect the complexity of past events. In modern education, this aligns with the growing emphasis on teaching critical thinking and historical revisionism.
Students are encouraged to consider history not as a static set of facts but as a dynamic process shaped by power, perspective, and memory. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of historical events, encouraging students to question dominant narratives and explore marginalized voices.
For example, contemporary education initiatives like The Global History Initiative promote a more nuanced approach to teaching world history, emphasizing the importance of multiple perspectives in understanding global events.
This type of teaching resonates with Midnight’s Children, where the story is not just about India’s independence but about how different individuals—each with their own personal history—experience and interpret the same events.
The Role of Political Commentary in Literature:
One of the strengths of Midnight’s Children is its political commentary, particularly regarding the Emergency period in India (1975–1977), during which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed authoritarian measures that curtailed civil liberties.
Rushdie uses Saleem’s journey to reflect on the rise of authoritarianism, corruption, and the erosion of democratic values. This aspect of the novel serves as a powerful tool for discussing the role of literature as political critique in contemporary society.
In today’s educational climate, where discussions around democracy, human rights, and political engagement are increasingly important, Midnight’s Children offers an excellent example of how literature can serve as a mirror to societal issues. The novel invites readers to critically examine the relationship between power and the individual, a topic that is particularly relevant in an era of increasing political polarization and authoritarianism.
For instance, the Freedom House report on global political rights and civil liberties provides critical data and analysis on the state of democracy worldwide. Comparing these contemporary assessments with the events depicted in Midnight’s Children offers an opportunity for students to understand the cyclical nature of political struggles and the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic freedoms .
Cultural Hybridity and Globalization:
Rushdie’s novel also provides insight into the complexities of globalization and the blending of cultures in the modern world. As India becomes more interconnected with global forces, the characters in Midnight’s Children grapple with the push and pull of indigenous cultural values versus Western influences. The blending of languages, traditions, and customs in the novel reflects the increasingly hybrid nature of identity in a globalized world.
Contemporary educational systems are increasingly focused on teaching cultural competence and global citizenship, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds. Midnight’s Children offers a valuable framework for these discussions, illustrating both the challenges and the richness of cultural exchange.
The novel’s use of Indian English and the intermingling of various languages mirrors the way globalization has shaped the way we communicate, share ideas, and connect across cultural divides.
The rise of global educational programs, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), which emphasizes cultural awareness and global engagement, reflects the growing importance of hybridity in education. Rushdie’s novel, with its global scope and cultural diversity, aligns with these goals by promoting a nuanced understanding of identity, migration, and cross-cultural dialogue.
In summary, Midnight’s Children continues to offer valuable lessons for contemporary educational discussions, particularly regarding postcolonial identity, the relationship between history and memory, political engagement through literature, and the complexities of globalization.
As students explore these themes, they are better equipped to navigate the challenges of living in a world that is increasingly interconnected, diverse, and politically complex.
6. Quotable Lines/Passage/Quotes:
- “I was born in Doctor Narlikar’s Nursing Home on August 15th, 1947. And the time? The time matters, too. Well then: at night. No, it’s important to be more … On the stroke of midnight, as a matter of fact.”
- “Everything that happens in India, happens because of me.” — Saleem Sinai
- “History is our fault. And if it’s not our fault, whose is it? There’s nobody else here. It’s just us.”
7. Conclusion:
In conclusion, Midnight’s Children is a remarkable achievement in the world of literature. With its bold use of magical realism, intricate narrative structure, and deep political and cultural insights, it offers a rich and multifaceted exploration of postcolonial India. Salman Rushdie’s ability to blend personal history with national trauma, along with his mastery of language, makes this novel a timeless masterpiece.
For readers interested in the intersection of personal and national histories, or those intrigued by magical realism as a vehicle for exploring complex societal issues, Midnight’s Children is a must-read. It’s a powerful reminder that history is not just something we inherit—it’s something we create, and it shapes us in ways both magical and real.
