Internationally acclaimed author, fervent advocate of free speech, and Booker Prize laureate, Salman Rushdie, unveils his latest literary offering, “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder.” This gripping memoir unveils the harrowing tale of surviving an assassination attempt three decades after the issuance of the notorious fatwa against him.
Scheduled for publication by Penguin Random House, the memoir will simultaneously hit the shelves in more than 15 territories on April 16, 2024.
In this forthcoming literary work, Rushdie breaks his silence on the traumatic events that unfolded on August 12, 2022, delivering an unforgettable and intricately detailed account.
“Knife” is poised to be a poignant, powerful, and deeply personal narrative, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the author’s resilience in the face of profound adversity. Salman Rushdie’s memoir transcends the boundaries of a mere recollection of events; it becomes a profound meditation on life, loss, love, the transformative power of art, and the unwavering strength required to endure and rise again.
The central narrative thread revolves around the chilling events of that fateful day in 2022 when Rushdie’s life was once again thrust into the spotlight of danger. The attempted murder becomes a focal point for exploring universally resonating themes – the fragility of life, the weight of loss, and the enduring power of love. Through his personal experience, Rushdie delves into the intricate interplay between tragedy and the human spirit’s capacity not only to endure but to emerge stronger.
“Knife” promises to be a testament to the author’s unwavering commitment to free expression and the resilience of the human spirit. As a literary luminary who faced a fatwa that marked a dark chapter in modern literary history, Salman Rushdie‘s voice carries a unique authority. The memoir is poised to offer insights not only into the author’s individual journey but also into the broader societal implications of censorship, intolerance, and the role of art in confronting and transcending such challenges.
Beyond the narrative of survival, “Knife” unfolds as an uplifting exploration of the redemptive power of art. It becomes a compelling discourse on the author’s own journey of finding strength and purpose through creativity. Rushdie’s reflections on the aftermath of the attempt on his life invite readers into a profound meditation on the resilience of the human spirit and the indomitable power of literature to inspire, heal, and empower.
In a world grappling with complexities surrounding freedom of expression, “Knife” emerges as a timely and resonant work that transcends its specific circumstances to speak to broader themes of courage, resilience, and the enduring capacity of the human spirit to confront and overcome adversity.
‘KNIFE is a searing book, and a reminder of the power of words to make sense of the unthinkable. We are honoured to publish it, and amazed at Salman Rushdie’s determination to tell his story, and to return to the work he loves,’
says Nihar Malaviya, CEO of Penguin Random House.
Vintage a division at Penguin Random House UK, will publish the much-awaited Salman Rushdie’s memoir in hardback, ebook and audio on April 16, 2024.
