An epic tale of Odysseus and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War forms one of the earliest and greatest works of Western literature. Confronted by natural and supernatural threats - shipwrecks, battles, monsters and the implacable enmity of the sea-god Poseidon - Odysseus must test his bravery and cunning to the full.

Saleem Sinai was born at midnight, the midnight of India's independence, and found himself handcuffed to history by the coincidence. He is one of 1,001 children born at the midnight hour, each of them endowed with an extraordinary talent. This is a family saga set against the background of the India of the 20th century.

Secret policeman Syme uses his new acquaintance to go undercover in Europe's Central Anarchist Council and infiltrate their deadly mission. In a park in London, he strikes up a conversation with an anarchist. Sworn to do his duty, When Syme discovers another undercover policeman on the Council, he starts to question his role in their operations.