Description

The Golden House:

A Novel

On the day of Barack Obama’s inauguration, a mysterious billionaire from a distant land decides to make his home in the prestigious neighborhood known as “the Gardens” in Greenwich Village, New York.

This community is like a world of its own, secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the arrival of Nero Golden and his family immediately captures the attention of the residents.

Nero, with his enigmatic persona, unidentifiable accent, and a hint of danger surrounding him, brings with him his three adult sons – Petya, a reclusive genius battling agoraphobia and alcoholism; Apu, a flamboyant artist known for his diverse interests; and D, the youngest son harboring a mysterious secret.

The story unfolds through the eyes of René, a young filmmaker living next door to the Goldens, who becomes fascinated by their intriguing lives. As he delves deeper into their world while researching a movie about them, René becomes entangled in their conflicts, betrayals, and even criminal activities.

Simultaneously, the political landscape of New York is turned upside down by the unexpected rise of a comic-book villain running for president, adding another layer of chaos to the already complex narrative.

Against the backdrop of contemporary American society and politics, Salman Rushdie’s novel “The Golden House” presents a gripping tale of love, terrorism, loss, and reinvention. Through the lens of the Golden family and their interactions with the outside world, Rushdie weaves a story that reflects the complexities of our modern era.

With his signature style and narrative flair, Rushdie delivers a powerful and timely story that resonates with the challenges and uncertainties of our current age.

Author Bio:

Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie has authored a total of twelve novels, including Grimus, Midnight’s Children, Shame, The Satanic Verses, Haroun and The Sea of Stories, The Moor’s Last Sigh, The Ground Beneath Her Feet, Fury, Shalimar the Clown, The Enchantress of Florence, Luka and the Fire of Life, and Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights.

In addition to his novels, he has also released a collection of short stories titled East, West. Furthermore, Rushdie has ventured into nonfiction with four works: Joseph Anton, The Jaguar Smile, Imaginary Homelands, and Step Across This Line. He has also co-edited two anthologies, Mirrorwork and Best American Short Stories 2008.

Not only is Salman Rushdie a prolific writer, but he is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and holds the title of Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University.

His contributions to literature have been recognized on a global scale, with Rushdie being knighted in 2007 for his outstanding services to the literary world. Additionally, he has served as the president of PEN American Center, showcasing his dedication to promoting freedom of expression and supporting fellow writers.

Rushdie’s diverse body of work and his commitment to the literary community have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in contemporary literature.

Reviews

“A tonic addition to American—no, world!—literature . . . a Greek tragedy with Indian roots and New York coordinates.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“A recognizably Rushdie novel in its playfulness, its verbal jousting, its audacious bravado, its unapologetic erudition, and its sheer, dazzling brilliance.”—The Boston Globe

“A joy to read . . . clever, intimidating, jocund, and electrifying.”—Chicago Review of Books

“The Golden House . . . ranks among Rushdie’s most ambitious and provocative books [and] displays the quicksilver wit and playful storytelling of Rushdie’s best work.”—USA Today

“From Nero to Obama, via The Godfather . . . The veteran novelist blends ancient history and myth with popular culture, crime caper, and film techniques to fashion a morality tale for today.”—The Guardian

“Vivid and appealing.”—The Week