Salman Rushdie is a popular author, publishing numerous and very successful books during the years. The books author was born in India and for his work has received numerous awards. And there is no shock that Salman Rushdie receives such a great appreciation for the books published, as people just love them. Well, one of the most successful novels every published by Salman Rushdie is The Satanic Verses. Although the title of the book might seem to be a little bit terrifying, the Satanic Verses is actually inspired from the life of Muhammad. The novel was published by Salman Rushdie in 1988.

Salman Rushdie received the best reviews at Satanic Verses, at least in the United Kingdom, and many people began to be very interested with this book, as it started winning a series of awards. The same year when Satanic Verses had been published, the Salman Rushdie book received the Whitbread Award for the novel of the year and was at the same time a Booker Prize finalist, although in this category, Satanic Verses did not receive the award. However, part of the popularity of Satanic Verses is given by the huge controversial situation that can be linked to it. Salman Rushdie was accused of blasphemy, as Muslims claimed that the book is mocking their faith. Outrage was created against Salman Rushdie. So, what is the story in Satanic Verses presenting to create such a huge outrage?

Well, Salman Rushdie uses magical realism to create Satanic Verses. And the story is actually presented under some dream visions that are experienced by one of the characters of the book. The action takes place in England, as the story presents the life of two Indian emigrants in the country. Satanic Verses actually starts with the flight that the two characters of the story take from India to arrive in the United Kingdom and it talks about immigration, culture, faith and political manipulation through religion. Well, because of the controversy that had been created with the Satanic Verses, the Salman Rushdie book was actually banned in India and was burned during many street demonstrations that took place all over the United Kingdom. The controversy reached such a point that Salman Rushdie was put under police protection in the United Kingdom. The author has never been harmed, but other people that were linked to the book and its release have unfortunately been attacked in various situations.