A magical realist novel about dependence and independence, myth and reality, power and self-reflexivity. Saleem is born at midnight, 15 August 1947, which is India’s day of independence. Growing up, he discovers his telepathic abilities and finds out that children born in India on this particular day (so-called Midnight’s Children) are gifted with magical powers. With his telepathic skill, he connects the children and helps them to discover and develop their abilities. In the course of the novel, Saleem faces conflicts and witnesses the major events of India’s history.

As the novel touches upon historical and political topics an interdisciplinary teaching project with History, Politics and Social Science is possible.

Novel · United Kingdom · 1984