Knife

Knife is a poignant and profoundly stirring memoir by internationally acclaimed writer Salman Rushdie. This narrative begins on the morning of 12 August 2022, when Rushdie stood on stage at the Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York, prepared to deliver a lecture on the vital need to protect writers from harm. In a tragic and unexpected turn, a man dressed in black dashed towards him with a knife. Moments before the attack, Rushdie’s thoughts echoed, "So it's you. Here you are."

What ensued was a harrowing act of violence that reverberated around the globe. In this memoir, for the first time, Rushdie recounts the traumatic events of that day, delving into the visceral details of his survival and the profound journey of recovery that followed. He paints an unflinching portrait of the immediate aftermath, his path to physical rehabilitation, and the vital role played by love and support in his healing.

At the heart of Rushdie's recovery is the unwavering support from his wife, Eliza, his family, his dedicated group of doctors and physical therapists, and an extensive community of readers worldwide. Knife is a touching testament to the power of love to overcome hatred, illustrating how support and solidarity can foster healing amidst adversity.

Written with a blend of urgency, gravitas, and candid honesty, Knife is more than a memoir; it’s a literary masterpiece that weaves elements of thriller and love story. Rushdie’s wit, wisdom, stoicism, and unyielding optimism shine through as he explores themes of life, loss, love, and art.

The book is described by critics as, "A story of hatred defeated by love" – Guardian, "Absolutely stunning... the ugliest thing turned into the most beautiful" – Nigella Lawson, "Part thriller, part love story" – The Times, and "A masterpiece... full of Rushdie's wit, his wisdom, his stoicism, his optimism" – The Telegraph.

Knife serves as a deeply moving meditation on finding the strength to stand up again after being struck down. It is a powerful reminder of literature's capacity to make sense of the unthinkable, offering readers not only a window into Rushdie’s extraordinary resilience but also an inspiring reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.