Brendan Davis answers “Is this book only read by people because...”

Raelop asked this question about The Satanic Verses:

Is this book only read by people because it’s controversial or do people read it because it is actually good? I don’t believe those two are the same. I struggled with the first 40 pages before giving up and maybe it just isn’t a fantastically written book?

Brendan Davis I saw a reviewer say that you need a strong knowledge of the Koran and understanding of the faith, in order to appreciate or understand the novel. His…moreI saw a reviewer say that you need a strong knowledge of the Koran and understanding of the faith, in order to appreciate or understand the novel. His writing style is compelling but without that religious understanding, it’s not going to be worth reading a 600+ page book. I gave up. The controversy - the first secular Muslim author to gain popularity in western culture, and Iran smarting from the 1980s war-loss to Iraq and it’s need to find a scapegoat writing about the religion- really is the main attraction to the book. It’s a “just ok” book, but the controversy gives it longevity.(less)

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The Satanic Verses

by Salman Rushdie

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