Salman Rushdie is one of the most critically acclaimed authors of his generation, and he’s also become one of the most famous for reasons that go beyond literature—so famous they even made jokes about him on Seinfeld. The Booker Prize winner, who was born in India and now holds British citizenship, published his first book in 1975 while working as an ad copywriter. He eventually penned 23 books, including two memoirs, but he’s probably best known for The Satanic Verses, the book inspired by the life of the prophet Muhammad that prompted Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini of Iran to call for Rushdie’s killing. Most Salman Rushdie books fall into the category of fantasy, and he is a master of magical allegory and parable. This list includes all Rushdie’s books in order of publication as well as ranked on quality—though truly, all his books are fantastic.
The Best Salman Rushdie Books, Ranked
The best Salman Rushdie books include novels and nonfiction. Rushdie has written 23 books, with the most recent a memoir that came out in 2024 about being stabbed during a literary event decades after the fatwa was issued. The Salman Rushdie books listed here are ranked based on critical reviews, reader reaction, award recognition and sales.
23. The Golden House (2017)
One of Rushdie’s few books rooted in realism, The Golden House follows the billionaire Nero Golden, his three troubled sons and Nero’s new Russian love interest, Vasilisa. It carefully investigates the highs and lows of American life and culture—and includes a not-even-thinly veiled takedown of Donald Trump.
This book is best for those who appreciate the nuance in political satire. Salman Rushdie’s The Golden House is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
22. The Jaguar Smile: A Nicaraguan Journey (2008)
This is Rushdie’s first nonfiction book, and while it presents a fascinating portrait of a country whose contradictions fascinate the author, it does not have quite the same oomph as his fiction works. Still, this is worth the read for the insights into Nicaragua circa 1986 at the height of the American-Sandinista conflict.
This book is best for those who want a short, fast travelogue. Salman Rushdie’s The Jaguar Smile is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
21. Grimus (1975)
Is living forever a blessing or a curse? Rushdie’s first novel explores this intriguing question through the eyes of Flapping Eagle, who undertakes one final quest to regain mortality and meets other immortals asking themselves the same question.
This book is best for those who want to see how Rushdie’s work has evolved throughout his career. Salman Rushdie’s Grimus is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
20. The Ground Beneath Her Feet (1999)
An updated take on the story of Orpheus, The Ground Beneath Her Feet follows Vina, a famous singer who disappears and then is found by her lover, Ormus, in a story narrated by Vina’s childhood friend Rai. As the world begins to literally break apart, Vina and Ormus continually come together and get dashed apart.
This book is best for those who enjoy retellings of myths. Salman Rushdie’s The Ground Beneath Her Feet is available from publisher Macmillan.
19. Fury (2001)
Crackling with energy, Fury depicts the life of Malik Solanka, a famous London dollmaker who one day takes off from his family without a word, fearing he’s become dangerous because of the “fury” simmering inside him. Where does he go? America, of course, which only grows his fury.
This book is best for black comedy devotees. Salman Rushdie’s Fury is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
18. East, West (1994)
While Rushdie is the undisputed master of the novel, his short stories have equal heft and grace. The nine in this book explore the differences and the unexpected similarities between the East and West.
This book is best for short story fans. Salman Rushdie’s East, West is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
17. Luka and the Fire of Life (2010)
When Luka’s father, storyteller Rashid, falls asleep and doesn’t appear able to wake up, the 12-year-old must compete an epic quest with his animal friends to save his dad. This is the long-awaited sequel to Haroun and the Sea of Stories; Haroun is Luka’s older brother.
This children’s book is best for fans of epic coming-of-age adventures. Salman Rushdie’s Luka and the Fire of Life is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
16. Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights (2015)
What happens when two worlds long separated by a thin veil begin to melt together? That’s the inspiration point for this imaginative novel that takes place in the near future and imagines a war between light and dark that lasts… well, just look at the title.
This book is best for those open to cross-genre stories, since this combines dystopia, fantasy and romance. Salman Rushdie’s Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
15. Joseph Anton: A Memoir (2013)
Rushdie’s first memoir opens with the moment the author learned about the fatwa calling for his murder. It follows his life underground while dealing with the everyday situations we all face—and the added twist of never knowing if someone was going to come after him.
This book is best for those who want to know Rushdie’s reaction to the fatwa. Salman Rushdie’s Joseph Anton is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
14. Step Across This Line: Collected Nonfiction 1992-2002 (2003)
While Rushdie is a gifted fiction writer, he’s equally insightful in other genres. This work bundles together his short nonfiction, essays and speeches from a 10-year period for a surprisingly cohesive social commentary that touches on everything from The Wizard of Oz (a recurring touchpoint for him) to the millennium.
This book is best for anyone interested in learning Rushdie’s thoughts on 9/11. Salman Rushdie’s Step Across This Line is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
13. The Wizard of Oz (1992)
Frank Baum’s original Wizard of Oz looms large among Rushdie’s literary influences, so much so that he’s written essays about the film as well as this volume of short stories inspired by Dorothy and Co. His thoughts on “home” are particularly touching given he wrote it when he was living underground following the fatwa.
This book is best for Wizard of Oz fans and anyone who loves his famous work “At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers.” Salman Rushdie’s The Wizard of Oz is available from publisher Bloomsbury.
12. Shame (1983)
One of Rushdie’s most underrated yet still brilliant novels, Shame is often cited as a thematic precursor to Satanic Verses. It portrays a rivalry between two very different families while exploring what lies between humiliation and honor (that is, shame).
This book is best for those who enjoy extended parables. Salman Rushdie’s Shame is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
11. The Enchantress of Florence (2008)
Can a woman wrest hold of her own destiny in a world controlled and dominated by men? That question informs a story of war during the High Renaissance, with philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli playing a pivotal role. It includes elements of magic, Rushdie’s trademark.
This book is best for those looking for a different kind of tale of two cities—one hedonistic, one sensual. Salman Rushdie’s The Enchantress of Florence is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
10. Haroun and the Sea of Stories (1990)
In the precursor to Luka, 12-year-old Haroun must complete a quest to cure the poisoned source of the sea of stories, which threatens to take storytelling powers away. Magical animals and fun adventures abound. While it’s written for kids, adults will enjoy this energetic tale too.
This children’s book is best for those who appreciate works that (subtly) push back on censorship. Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
9. Imaginary Homelands: Essays and Criticism, 1981-1991 (1992)
Rushdie penned these works of nonfiction during the time when the fatwa was handed down, and he presents candid views on culture, politics, and yes, religion—showing that although he was forced underground, he wouldn’t back down from his beliefs even in the face of danger.
This book is best for fans of ancient epics. Salman Rushdie’s Imaginary Homelands is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
8. Victory City (2023)
Rushdie’s most recent novel was named a best book of the year by The New Yorker, NPR, the Washington Post and more. It follows the centuries-long life of a girl who speaks with the voice of a goddess while examining good, evil and everything in between.
This book is best for fans of ancient epics. Salman Rushdie’s Victory City is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
7. The Moor’s Last Sigh (1995)
A bestseller, The Moor’s Last Sigh follows the exiled son of a dynasty of crime lords as he travels from India to Spain. The dangerous journey gains peril as he discovers others’ passions and must sidestep their frustrations capable of blooming into hate.
This book is best for those looking for absurdist family drama. Salman Rushdie’s The Moor’s Last Sigh is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
6. Languages of Truth: Essays 2003-2020 (2021)
Rushdie’s most recent book of essays is also his best. He hits his stride writing about literature, the value of criticism and why storytelling is necessary. The added heft of his experience living underground and view as someone deeply impacted by the written word enriches the collection.
This book is best for fans of literary criticism. Salman Rushdie’s Languages of Truth is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
5. Midnight’s Children (1980)
Rushdie has been nominated for the Booker Prize seven times, more than any other author, but he has only won once, for this volume about the magical children born when India gained independence at midnight on August 15, 1947. Their differing yet entwined fates make for an emotional read.
This book is best for literature lovers curious about which Rushdie book won the Booker Prize. Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
4. Shalimar the Clown (2006)
Rushdie is at his best when he’s exploring the dynamic between East and West, as in this novel. The Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, Chicago Tribune and more named Shalimar the Clown one of the best books of the year for its political satire and unlikely love story.
This book is best for fans of fairy tales, fantasy and historical fiction (yes, the book is that good that it incorporates all three genres). Salman Rushdie’s Shalimar the Clown is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
3. Quichotte (2019)
Yet another of Rushdie’s Booker Prize-nominated novels, Quichotte puts a new twist on the story of Don Quixote while adding a meta element, with a character named Salman R. occupying a critical position in the book. The author takes bold chances with big payoffs in this story of illusion vs. reality.
This book is best for fans of fresh spins on classic literature. Salman Rushdie’s Quichotte is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
2. The Satanic Verses (1988)
Without a doubt the most famous of Rushdie’s books, The Satanic Verses is a reinterpretation of the tale of the prophet Muhammad that led the Ayatollah to label the book anti-Islam. It follows a Bollywood actor and a voice actor stranded on an island who become the devil and an angel following a magical accident.
This book is best for anyone who wants to know what inspired the Ayatollah’s fatwa. Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
1. Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder (2024)
Already a bestseller, Rushdie’s second memoir recounts his attempted assassination in 2022, three decades after the fatwa was issued, and how he dealt with the aftermath. The book is an unflinching look at the possibility of death from a man who stared the possibility in the face every day for years. It is remarkable.
This book is best for anyone who has seen headlines about the assassination attempt. Salman Rushdie’s Knife is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
Salman Rushdie Books In Order
Here is a list of Salman Rushdie’s books in chronological order:
- Grimus (1975)
- Midnight’s Children (1980)
- Shame (1983)
- The Satanic Verses (1988)
- Haroun and the Sea of Stories (1990)
- Imaginary Homelands: Essays and Criticism, 1981-1991 (1992)
- The Wizard of Oz (1992)
- East, West (1994)
- The Moor’s Last Sigh (1997)
- The Ground Beneath Her Feet (1999)
- Fury (2001)
- Step Across This Line: Collected Nonfiction 1992-2002 (2003)
- Shalimar the Clown (2006)
- The Jaguar Smile: A Nicaraguan Journey (2008)
- The Enchantress of Florence (2008)
- Luka and the Fire of Life (2010)
- Joseph Anton: A Memoir (2013)
- Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights (2015)
- The Golden House (2017)
- Quichotte (2019)
- Languages of Truth: Essays 2003-2020 (2021)
- Victory City (2023)
- Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder (2024)
Bottom Line
Salman Rushdie will go down as one of the most decorated, most influential and most brilliant writers of his time. You can’t go wrong by picking up any book on his author list, from his poignant memoirs to his magical realism-inspired fiction to his insightful literary criticism.
