New York, United States – Renowned author Salman Rushdie has made a remarkable return to the literary world with the launch of his highly anticipated memoir, “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder.” This compelling novel delves into the harrowing period of Rushdie’s life that began with a vicious attack as he was preparing to deliver a lecture on free speech at the Chautauqua Institution in New York state on August 12, 2022.
During the attack, Rushdie was assaulted on stage and sustained severe injuries to his neck, eye, stomach, thigh, and chest. Following a six-week hospitalization, he was left blinded in one eye and experienced loss of sensation in some fingertips. Known globally for the controversy surrounding his 1988 novel, “The Satanic Verses,” Rushdie has chosen to share his experience in an effort to overcome creative obstacles hindering his other literary works.
Raised in Bombay, India, and later educated in England at Rugby and Cambridge University, Rushdie’s literary career took off with his first book, “Grimus,” which showed promise despite minimal initial acclaim. His breakthrough came with the publication of “Midnight’s Children” in 1981, a novel that not only won the Booker Prize that year but also claimed the prestigious Best of the Booker Prize in 2008.
The release of “The Satanic Verses” in 1988 sparked widespread outrage in the Islamic world, leading to bans in various countries and violent protests. The backlash forced Rushdie into hiding for nearly a decade, where he continued to write and publish other works. Despite apologizing for any offense caused by his novel, Rushdie emerged as a vocal advocate for free speech, emphasizing the importance of expressing oneself without fear.
In 1998, the formal support of the fatwa against Rushdie was withdrawn by Iran’s government, signaling a gradual return to public life for the author. Subsequently, Rushdie ventured into the realm of film, making appearances in popular movies and even narrating film adaptations of his own novels. His first memoir, “Joseph Anton,” published in 2012, reflected on his experiences during his years in hiding.
The near-fatal stabbing incident in 2022, detailed in his latest memoir, “Knife,” left Rushdie hospitalized for weeks and cost him the use of his right eye. Despite ongoing threats and setbacks, Rushdie remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for free speech. The trial of the alleged attacker, Hadi Matar, who has pleaded not guilty, is currently on hold as legal teams assess the potential impact of Rushdie’s memoir on the proceedings. Rushdie’s resilience and unwavering dedication to his craft and ideals continue to inspire readers and writers worldwide.