The Ground Beneath Her Feet
The Ground Beneath Her Feet
Book Brief
592
Novel • Fiction
Global • 20th Century
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Ground Beneath Her Feet by Salman Rushdie is a love story about rock 'n roll, chronicling the passionate and turbulent relationship between Ormus Cama and Vina Apsara, two talented musicians, through the narrative of Umeed “Rai” Merchant, who also loves Vina. Interweaving elements of classical and Indian myths, the novel reflects on celebrity culture and existential themes of not belonging, set against an alternate reality backdrop. The narrative includes themes of murder-suicide and familial trauma.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Emotional
Contemplative
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
12,270 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Salman Rushdie's The Ground Beneath Her Feet presents a rich narrative filled with vivid imagery and mythological references, blending rock and roll with classical lore. Critics laud its inventive plot and lyrical prose, but some find it overly dense and unwieldy. The book's ambitious scope and Rushdie's unique voice stand out, despite occasional pacing issues.
Who Should Read The Ground Beneath Her Feet?
Ideal for fans of magical realism and epic storytelling, readers who enjoyed Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore will be captivated by The Ground Beneath Her Feet. It blends mythology, rock 'n' roll, and global culture, appealing to those who savor richly layered narratives.
12,270 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Ground Beneath Her Feet features an alternate history storyline, which includes the presence of fictional characters alongside real-life figures such as Elvis Presley and John Lennon.
The novel incorporates themes from Greek mythology, especially the Orpheus-Eurydice myth, which it reimagines in contemporary settings.
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A song titled "The Ground Beneath Her Feet," with lyrics by Salman Rushdie, was composed and performed by U2 and appears in the 1999 film The Million Dollar Hotel.
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592
Novel • Fiction
Global • 20th Century
1999
Adult
18+ years
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