East
Good Advice Is Rarer Than Rubies
Miss Rehana, a confident and strikingly beautiful young woman, arrives at the British consulate in Lahore to apply for a visa to join her fiancé in England. Muhammad Ali, an experienced conman, offers to help her navigate the immigration process, expecting her to fall prey to his scam. However, as the day unfolds, Miss Rehana surprises him by revealing she has no intention of succeeding in her application. She cherishes her freedom and independence in Pakistan and does not wish to marry her fiancé, whom she has never met. The story explores themes of agency, cultural expectations, and the courage to defy societal norms, with Miss Rehana emerging as a figure of quiet empowerment.
The Free Radio
Ramani, a handsome and optimistic rickshaw puller, becomes infatuated with a cunning older woman, nicknamed "the Widow," who manipulates him into marrying her. Under her influence, he volunteers for a government sterilization program, hoping to receive a free transistor radio as a reward. The story is narrated by an elderly man who sees through the Widow’s schemes and pities Ramani’s gullibility. Despite losing his vitality and dreams, Ramani clings to hope, believing he will become a movie star. The story is a poignant critique of exploitation, false promises, and the human tendency to hold onto dreams in the face of harsh realities.
The Prophet's Hair
Hashim, a wealthy moneylender in Srinagar, accidentally comes into possession of a stolen relic—a strand of the Prophet Muhammad's hair. Initially indifferent, he becomes consumed by the relic’s supposed spiritual power, turning into a fanatical zealot. His newfound obsession disrupts his family, leading his wife and children to hatch a plan to return the relic to the mosque. Their attempts result in tragedy, as greed and divine retribution intertwine in the narrative. The story combines magical realism with a cautionary tale, exploring themes of religious extremism, morality, and the consequences of human frailty.
West
Yorick
This whimsical tale is narrated by the skull of Yorick, the jester from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Yorick recounts his life as a court entertainer and his close relationship with Prince Hamlet, blending humor and introspection. The story examines themes of mortality, legacy, and the ways in which people are remembered after death. Through Yorick’s witty musings, Rushdie offers a playful yet profound meditation on life’s fleeting nature and the inevitability of being reduced to mere memory.
At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers
Set in a surreal, dystopian world, this story describes an auction for the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. The narrator, who is desperate to win the slippers, reflects on their symbolic value as a connection to his lost love and a beacon of hope in a fragmented world. The chaotic auction, filled with eccentric bidders and absurd stakes, represents society’s obsession with materialism and the longing for a sense of belonging. The story is both a critique of consumerism and a poignant exploration of nostalgia and unfulfilled desires.
Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain Consummate Their Relationship (Santa Fé, AD 1492)
This satirical story reimagines a fictional encounter between Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella, presenting their relationship as an absurd and farcical negotiation. Through their intimate interactions, the story critiques colonial ambition, greed, and the absurdity of historical narratives. The exaggerated tone and surreal elements underscore the power dynamics and human flaws that drive monumental historical events, offering a biting commentary on conquest and exploitation.
The Harmony of the Spheres
The narrator recalls his friendship with Morgan, a brilliant but troubled writer who becomes obsessed with the idea that the universe operates in disharmony. As Morgan descends into paranoia and madness, his delusions strain their friendship. The story culminates in Morgan’s tragic death, leaving the narrator to grapple with existential questions about life, death, and the fragile balance of the human mind. This deeply philosophical story explores themes of mental illness, creativity, and the search for meaning in an often chaotic world.
Chekov and Zulu
Chekov and Zulu, two Indian diplomats, are nicknamed after Star Trek characters due to their camaraderie and contrasting personalities. The story is set against the backdrop of Indira Gandhi’s assassination and its aftermath, including the rise of communal tensions in India. As the diplomats navigate the political challenges of their assignments, their bond is tested by the weight of their responsibilities and their differing worldviews. The story blends humor, nostalgia, and political commentary, offering insights into loyalty, identity, and the complexities of modern diplomacy.
The Courter
In this semi-autobiographical tale, the narrator reflects on his youth in England and his family’s experience as immigrants. The story centers on Mary, their elderly caretaker, and her shy romance with a porter referred to as "the courter." Their gentle relationship is tragically disrupted by a violent incident, which serves as a metaphor for the family’s struggles with cultural displacement. The narrator’s coming-of-age journey is intertwined with themes of love, loss, and the yearning for belonging in a foreign land.
