Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed author, recently shared his harrowing experience of surviving a near-fatal stabbing in 2022 during an interview, marking his first public reflection on the incident. Recalling the night of the attack, Rushdie described the assailant’s sudden approach during a presentation in Chautauqua, New York. Despite years of living under the shadow of death threats stemming from Ayatollah Khomeini’s fatwa in 1989, Rushdie admitted to a sense of disbelief when faced with imminent danger once again.
Salman Rushdie Survives Attack
The attack, which lasted a mere 27 seconds, left Rushdie with severe injuries, including the loss of sight in his right eye. He candidly shared his thoughts during the assault, acknowledging the possibility of death without experiencing any supernatural revelations. Rushdie’s assailant, motivated by perceived blasphemy in Rushdie’s novel “The Satanic Verses,” aimed to silence the author’s voice.
Following the ordeal, Rushdie embarked on writing “Knife,” his 22nd book, reluctantly confronting the pervasive threat to his life that had overshadowed his career. Despite initial reluctance, he realized the necessity of addressing the elephant in the room, leading to a change in perspective and a newfound determination to share his story.
Now, nearly two years post-attack, Rushdie has regained his physical health, albeit with a permanent reminder of the incident. He continues to reside in upstate New York, acknowledging the lingering shadow cast by the traumatic event. Through “Knife,” Rushdie offers readers a profound insight into resilience and the enduring impact of living under the constant threat of violence.
