Salman Rushdie

I've always been a fan of magic realism, so I've definitely enjoyed the Rushdie works that I have read. It was his 'Satanic Verses' that caused a lot of the controversy, though he addresses religious issues in most of his novels. Religious extremists take their holy books literally (as they should, seeing how it's believed to be the word of their god) and are extremely knowledgable about their faith. So when someone like Rushdie criticizes their religion and prophet, they turn to their holy book which calls for a fatwa in such a situation. Because our modern world has given us the answer to many things we used to attribute to gods, and because most of us are no longer barbaric enough to continue animal sacrifices, child sacrifices, killing in the name of our god, etc., religion has taken on a whole new 'this isn't meant to be taken literally' status to most religious folks around the world. Extremists in all religions are unable to handle this, because they understand that their holy books are meant to be taken literally, and in their eyes they are the only truly faithful ones. Knowledge, reason, logic, being rational, criticism - these are all things that undermine their beliefs, and they won't be having any of that.

I think he just really believes in the ideology behind his work. Personally, I think you still have to show some consideration. But yes, to answer your question, I am familiar with his work, but I can't say that I like them very much.