Best-Selling Author's Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Books of All Time'
It is incredibly rare for a singular work of fiction to have the lasting cultural and literary impact of Midnight's Children.
The bestselling work by Salman Rushdie has been ranked among the greatest books of all time by The Greatest Books, a platform that compiles and weighs numerous literary lists based on influence, credibility and critical recognition.
Published in 1981, Midnight's Children tells the story of Saleem Sinai, a boy born at the exact moment India gained independence. As he grows up, Saleem discovers he shares a mysterious connection with other children born in that same historic hour, each possessing unique abilities. Through his life story, Rushdie weaves together personal narrative and national history, exploring themes of identity, memory and the legacy of colonialism.
The novel marked a major breakthrough for Rushdie and is widely regarded as his first major work to achieve international acclaim. Its inventive style, blending magical realism with historical fiction, helped redefine contemporary storytelling and influenced countless writers.
"Saleem Sinai went to my school," Rushdie wrote for The Guardian. "He also lived, in Bombay, in my childhood home, in my old neighbourhood, and is just eight weeks younger than me. His childhood friends are composites of children I knew when I was young.
Midnight's Children went on to win the prestigious Booker Prize, solidifying its place as a landmark achievement in modern literature. The novel's success established Rushdie as a major literary voice and remains one of his most celebrated works.
Decades after its publication, the book continues to be studied, discussed and admired for its ambition and originality.
"For all its surrealist elements Midnight's Children is a history novel, looking for an answer to the great question history asks us: what is the relationship between society and the individual, between the macrocosm and the microcosm? To put it another way: do we make history, or does it make (or unmake) us? Are we the masters or victims of our times?" said Rushdie.
With its inclusion in The Greatest Books ranking, Midnight's Children stands as a timeless classic, one that continues to resonate with readers through its rich storytelling and powerful exploration of history and identity.
Related: Best-Selling Author's Classic Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Books' of All Time
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 6:38 PM.