Which Indian author wrote the novel Midnight’s Children, which won the Booker Prize?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Salman Rushdie
Explanation
"Midnight's Children" is a landmark novel written by Salman Rushdie, published in 1981. The story deals with India's transition from British colonialism to independence and the partition of India. The protagonist, Saleem Sinai, is born at the exact moment of India's independence, and his life becomes inextricably linked to the history of the country. The novel received significant critical acclaim and won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981, as well as the 'Booker of Bookers' in 1993 and the 'Best of the Booker' in 2008, marking it as one of the most influential works of literature from the Indian subcontinent.
Key Points
The novel uses the literary device of magical realism to weave personal history with the larger political narrative of post-independence India.
Saleem Sinai, the narrator, possesses telepathic powers that link him to other children born in the first hour of India's independence, each representing the aspirations and struggles of the newborn nation.
The work is considered a prime example of post-colonial literature, exploring themes of identity, nationhood, and the nature of history.
Additional Facts
Salman Rushdie was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, before moving to the United Kingdom, and his work often draws upon his multicultural background.
The Booker Prize is one of the world's most significant literary awards, and Rushdie's win helped bring global attention to Indian writing in English.
Apart from the Booker, Rushdie has authored several other globally recognized works, including "The Satanic Verses," "Shame," and "The Moor's Last Sigh."
Important Questions
Question: In which year was "Midnight's Children" published, and when did it win the Booker Prize?
Answer: It was published in 1981 and won the Booker Prize in the same year.
Question: What is the name of the protagonist in "Midnight's Children" whose life parallels the history of India?
Answer: Saleem Sinai.