This is a really very disappointing read. If it had not been for Rushdie's networking and the controversy he courted this book would gone out of print long ago. Too many critics were too afraid to say that emperor has no clothes, and praised this book, because of politics and not for reasons of literature. This book is nothing but second rate magic realism applied by a third rate mind- whose odepial conflict and self-loathing is given free rein, to produce a fourth rate text. It is stange that such a purile work is considered to be philosophical. His treatment of Islamic history is both bigoted and ignorant, his ideas regarding unbelief and faith never go beyond bar room bluster. Reading the book is like being trapped in an elevetor with Cliff from Cheers- but without the humour or humanity. Don't waste your money- the book is no longer chic and its expensive to serve as door-stop. Spare the trees that would die in vain for such a rant.