the inauguration of Barack Obama in 2008 up to current and recent political and social events, including the birther movement, the rise of the Tea Party, Gamergate and identity politics; the backlash against political correctness; the ascendency of the superhero movie, and, of course, the insurgence of a ruthlessly ambitious, narcissistic, media-savvy villain wearing make-up and with coloured hair. In The Golden House, as entertaining as it is poignant, Rushdie has written a revelatory panorama of our time. It is the ultimate novel about identity, truth, terror and lies and a new world order of alternate truths.