Imaginary HomelandsDrawing from two political and several literary homelands, this collection presents a remarkable series of trenchant essays, demonstrating the full range and force of Salman Rushdie's remarkable imaginative and observational powers. With candour, eloquence and indignation he carefully examines an expanse of topics; including the politics of India and Pakistan, censorship, the Labour Party, Palestinian identity, contemporary film and late twentieth

drug-dealer

seeking prophecies of a better future

and against all the odds

had every reason to turn detective

Inspector Wang Anzhuang of the Public Security Bureau is expecting a pleasant night out at the People's Opera House

From the slums of London to the riches of an Edwardian country house

grey days stretching ahead of them

The Alpha Councils plan for permanently containing the Omegas has begun

Infused with her distinctive blend of wry humour

Set in contemporary Bombay and other cities

including an unhelpful consul

As the seasons unfold there are those who leave the village and those who are pulled back