Book Review: “Joseph Anton: A Memoir” By Salman Rushdie (2012, 656 Pages)

An unmemorable memoir.

“Joseph Anton” is the name – made of the first names of Conrad and Chekhov – that Rushdie chose for his protection by the secret service following his sentence to death by the Ayatollah Khomeini for writing “The Satanic Verses.”

This book tells the story of the eleven years during which Rushdie had to use this name.

It aptly covers many topics and is often funny.

However, if the first half of the book – which describes how Rushdie adapted to his new life – is brilliant and riveting, the second half is boring because the story becomes very repetitive.

RATING: C.