Salman Rushdie’s “Knife” is a compelling memoir that delves into the author’s harrowing encounter with attempted murder and the subsequent journey of survival, recovery, and the triumph of love over hatred. Rushdie, renowned for his literary prowess, invites readers into an emotional exploration of the events that dramatically altered his life.

The book opens with a chilling account of the near-fatal attack on August 12, 2022, where Rushdie was viciously assaulted on stage in upstate New York by a stranger wielding a knife. The assailant, identified as Hadi Matar, inflicted 15 stab wounds on Rushdie, targeting crucial areas like his eye, neck, hand, and chest. Rushdie vividly conveys the shock and disbelief of being deliberately attacked, with blood surrounding him and life hanging in the balance.

Rushdie’s narrative powerfully captures the trauma and subsequent recovery process, presenting an unfiltered and deeply personal perspective. The abrupt contrast from contentment to terror, having just completed a new novel the night before, underscores the fragility of existence—the physical and emotional scars left by the assault form the core of Rushdie’s introspective tale.

The loss of Rushdie’s right eye during the attack shapes both an “I-story” and an “eye-story,” symbolizing his journey of self-discovery and resilience. Themes of post-fatwa disorientation, previously depicted in the third person in his memoir “Joseph Anton,” now acquire an intensely intimate dimension as Rushdie confronts his mortality and identity.

Matar’s motives, driven by an outdated religious decree rather than any informed familiarity with Rushdie’s literary corpus, prompt reflective musings from Rushdie on the ironic insignificance of his subsequent 16 books post-“The Satanic Verses” in the eyes of his assailant. “Knife” thus becomes a meditation on the enduring impact of historical grievances and the unpredictability of fanaticism.

Through his ordeal, Rushdie underscores the transformative power of love and resilience in combating hatred and adversity. “Knife” evolves into a testament to the human spirit, the redemptive influence of art, and the interconnectedness of humanity. Rushdie’s survival serves as a poignant reminder of the bonds that unite us and the strength that can be drawn from solidarity.

In a heartfelt tribute, Rushdie dedicates the book to the individuals whose courage and swift action saved his life during the attack, underscoring the importance of collective action in the face of calamity. “Knife” culminates as a profound testament to the enduring capacity of the human spirit to rise above darkness and despair.

In conclusion, “Knife” by Salman Rushdie is a tour-de-force, an eloquent meditation on the transformative power of art, the endurance of pain, and the triumph of love over hate. Rushdie’s prose brims with wit, wisdom, and stoicism, showcasing the resilience that defines the human condition. His survival narrative resonates as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the indomitable spirit that can prevail even in the darkest times.

By Swapna Peri