51 pages 1 hour read

Salman Rushdie

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2024

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2024, Salman Rushdie’s memoir Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder recounts the 2022 attack that nearly took his life. The book follows Rushdie’s physical and psychological recovery and expresses his gratitude to those who supported him through it—particularly his wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths. The young man who attacked him was moved to violence by fundamentalist Islamic propaganda, partially regarding one of Rushdie’s own novels. Knife reasserts Rushdie’s staunch advocation of free speech, defending his and others’ right to speak out against institutions such as religion. This study guide includes descriptions of violence and both physical and emotional trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Salman Rushdie's Knife received acclaim for its vivid prose and rich narrative complexity, characteristic of his storytelling prowess. Critics praised the novel's imaginative depth and cultural resonance. However, some found its dense storytelling and intricate plot challenging. Overall, Knife is celebrated for its literary merits but may not appeal to all readers due to its complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Knife?

A reader who would enjoy Knife by Salman Rushdie likely appreciates intricate narratives with richly developed characters and themes of personal and political conflict. Fans of Rushdie's earlier works like Midnight's Children and those who admire the depth of novels such as Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things will find it compelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Psychology

Genre

Indian Literature

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Psychology

Themes

Society: Politics & Government

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Emotions/Behavior: Love