I’m halfway through the Satanic Verses. The infamous parts are just minor subplots but I can see why they are very incendiary under specific social contexts, though IMO it shouldn’t be. Reminds me a lot of The Master and Margarita, which also contains a subplot about Jesus, and which Rushdie confirmed as his inspiration. The main theme has nothing to do with religion at all however, and mostly about the immigrant experience, and however much complaints I have about this country, it’s always good to remind myself that immigrants anywhere have it worse (unless they are rich or willing to play certain games).