This book was a delight, and written in classic Rushdie form. It’s more accessible, to me, than many of his other works, although the depth of his knowledge of Indian history is well evident. It’s magical, yet its themes are quite real. The importance of the story teller’s voice is a theme close to his heart, but it is universal.The characters are well drawn and never dull. The story of a city which rises by magic, then struggles to survive the vicissitudes of the humans who live there, is a complex and yet fascinating one. One of my new favorites by Rushdie.