Even after 27 years of publication, the popularity to Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children hasn't diminished. The novel, which made waves in 1981, has now won the author the coveted Best of the Booker honour.The impact of the novel was evident even in 1993, the Booker's 25th anniversary, when it won Rushdie the Booker of Bookers. The poll for the Best of Booker award, to celebrate the award's 40th anniversary, was opened to the public on May 12.
Thirty six per cent of the 7801 people who voted for the six shortlisted titles chose Midnight's Children. At least half the voters were under 35 with the largest age group ranging between 25-34 years.
This itself indicates the book's all-pervading appeal. The Best of the Booker shortlist was selected by a panel of judges comprising biographer, novelist and critic Victoria Glendinning; writer-broadcaster Mariella Frostrup and John Mullan, Professor at University College, London.
Rushdie could not be present for the award ceremony at the Southbank Centre, as he is on a tour in America to promote The Enchantress of Florence.
His sons Zafar and Milan represented him at the award ceremony. Younger son Milan said he hoped to read the book when he was a bit older as he found some words quite difficult to understand.
