SIR - I am surprised that Peter Wilson, or anyone for that matter, has completely read a Salman Rushdie book.

The people I have spoken to who have tried have given it up after a chapter or so because they are so bored with his style of writing.

I want an "easy read" rather than struggle to understand what is supposed to entertain me.

Some of the Victorian writers (particularly one female bore me just the same so I have given up on them.

I want interesting stories that include a bit of living history. I have learnt a lot of my history, particularly the part of history dealing with commercial enterprise and the industrial revolution.

Most of my history knowledge from 1780 circa has been through reading this type of writing.

Phil Boase, Elizabeth Street, Wyke