I tend to not research literary classics before reading them, thus I was unsure how this book fit within the literary world. I felt the rejection of religion within the book would have stood out at the time it was written as well while reading it (only half way though currently). I also like how it shows the juxtaposition of the churches teachings versus how people tend to (or want to) live. It shows the struggle of Stephen's actions and thoughts versus religions beliefs of how one should act quite well.

Its interesting how you say the Indian filmmaker would have the actor's kiss an apple in leu of kissing each other to get around laws about showing such stuff. Goes to show people will find a way to circumvent dumb, thoughtless laws, creating art in the process.