Exploring Themes of Belonging in the Fragmented Soul

The aircraft cracked in half, a seed-pod giving up its spores, an egg yielding its mystery. Two actors, prancing Gibreel and buttony, pursed Mr Saladin Chamcha, fell like titbits of tobacco from a broken old cigar. Above, behind, below them in the void there hung reclining seats, stereophonic headsets, drinks trolleys, motion discomfort receptacles, disembarkation cards, duty-free video games, braided caps, paper cups, blankets, oxygen masks. Also – for there had been more than a few migrants aboard, yes, quite a quantity of wives who had been grilled by reasonable, doing-their-job officials about the length of and distinguishing moles upon their husbands’ genitalia, a sufficiency of children upon whose legitimacy the British Government had cast its ever-reasonable doubts – mingling with the remnants of the plane, equally fragmented, equally absurd, there floated the debris of the soul, broken memories, sloughed-off selves, severed mother-tongues, violated privacies, untranslatable jokes, extinguished futures, lost loves, the forgotten meaning of hollow, booming words, land, belonging, home. Knocked a little silly by the blast, Gibreel and Saladin plummeted like bundles dropped by some carelessly open-beaked stork, and because Chamcha was going down head first, in the recommended position for babies entering the birth canal, he commenced to feel a low irritation at the other’s refusal to fall in plain fashion. Saladin nosedived while Farishta embraced air, hugging it with his arms and legs, a flailing, overwrought actor without techniques of restraint. Below, cloud-covered, awaiting their entrance, the slow congealed currents of the English Sleeve, the appointed zone of their watery reincarnation.

AI Assistant


The content is rich in imagery and symbolism, but it may benefit from a few adjustments for clarity and engagement. Here are some actions to consider:

1. **Clarify Imagery**: While vivid, some metaphors could be confusing. Consider simplifying or providing context for complex images.

2. **Vary Sentence Structure**: The text features long, intricate sentences. Introducing shorter sentences intermittently could enhance readability.

3. **Enhance Characterization**: Develop the characters further to help readers connect emotionally with Gibreel and Saladin’s experiences.

4. **Strengthen Narrative Flow**: Ensure the transitions between ideas are smooth. This can help maintain reader engagement throughout the piece.

5. **Engage the Reader**: Introduce questions or insights that invite readers to reflect on the themes presented, enhancing their connection to the content.

By focusing on these aspects, the writing can become even more impactful and engaging.

An AI example of a generated title and suggestion for Salmon Rushdie’s writing.

The dumbing down of America.

The title is AI generated as well. Just think how creative Salmon could be with the help of AI.

PS – there are added tags. AI generated. Artificial.

Of course, most US citizens don’t read. Therefore, who cares.

Salmon Rushdies writing is breathtaking and out of reach for the average reader as is Tom Robbins, Isabella Allende, Toni Morrison, Djuana Barnes.

***This has been an experiment. AI improvement on the writing of Salmon Rushdie. AI is great if you do not know how to write. It’s great if you don’t know how to edit. And it’s wonderful for those that need pablum. AI has a purpose.

No One is Beyond Repair

Cleo entered the Holiday Inn Hotel room. The curtains drawn, creating a darkness in the room. Johanna laid in the bed. Her face was black, from a vicious beating, but she smiled. “Hey there,” she said.

The room of Cleo’s mind was like usual. Quiet and observing.

The Skinny Boy was happy. He and Johanna had been playing cards. Cards spread on the bed’s blanket, covering her ribs that were as battered as her face. The target of Cleo’s father’s shiny patten leather shoes. The shoes that she loved to polish to make him happy. Anything to make him happy.

An impossible task.

We, myself and my sister were shuffled off to the bowling alley next door, where we tossed the balls in a most serious manner for three days. They knew how to bowl. Johanna had made sure they had lessons. Bowling. Ah. It sucks. But Johanna had bowled a 300. The trophy resting over their fireplace at home. Cleo would never be her mother’s young protege. She tried but she had a penchant for the gutter.

Continue reading No One is Beyond Repair