The author of The Satanic Verses creates a fascinating family saga about the birth and maturity of a land and its people – a brilliant incarnation of the human comedy. It’s a fascinating family saga set against the colourful background of the India of the 20th century. 

          Saleem Sinai was born at midnight, the midnight of India’s independence, and is mysteriously 'handcuffed to history’ by the coincidence. He is one of 1,001 children born at the midnight hour, each of them endowed with an extraordinary talent – and whose privilege and curse it is to be both master and victims of their times.