Author Salman Rushdie expresses ongoing emotional distress from losing an eye after being stabbed on stage in 2022. He confides to the BBC that he grapples with the daily impact of this traumatic event, noting that he believed he was on the verge of death during the attack.
The author, who was stabbed on stage in 2022, tells the BBC that he thought he was dying.
The Booker Prize-winning author described the aftermath of his injury as resembling a soft-boiled egg, with his eye hanging down his face. He expressed that the loss of his eye troubles him constantly, recalling the fear of dying during the incident, though thankfully that wasn’t the case. Sir Salman shared that he’s utilizing his latest book, Knife, as a means to confront and overcome the challenges he faced.
Salman, born to non-practising Muslims and an atheist himself, has consistently championed freedom of expression. However, he cautions that advocating for it has become increasingly challenging. He observes a concerning trend, particularly among the youth, where many perceive restrictions on speech as favorable. Salman emphasizes that the essence of freedom of speech lies in tolerating dissenting viewpoints, even those with which one disagrees.
In August 2022, during preparations for a lecture at an educational institution in New York state, he experienced an assault. He vividly remembers the assailant rushing up the stairs and stabbing him a dozen times, including in sensitive areas like his neck and abdomen. The entire ordeal lasted a mere 27 seconds. Reflecting on the incident, he admitted feeling utterly defenseless, incapable of either fighting back or fleeing. As the attack unfolded, he collapsed to the ground, surrounded by what he described as an overwhelming pool of blood.
Transported by helicopter, he underwent a six-week recovery period in a hospital. The renowned 76-year-old author, of Indian-British-American heritage, stands as one of the foremost influential figures in contemporary literature. The assault captured global attention, making headlines worldwide.
After the publication of The Satanic Verses in 1988, Sir Salman spent several years in hiding due to threats against his life. He acknowledged that he had considered the possibility of someone attacking him during a public appearance, recognizing it as a reasonable concern.
He mentioned having a “nightmare” about the assault, just two days prior to his scheduled event, leading him to consider not attending.
“But then I reasoned with myself, it was just a dream. Besides, the compensation is considerable, and everyone has already purchased tickets. I felt compelled to go.”
The assault inflicted injuries to Sir Salman’s liver and hands while severing nerves in his right eye. Describing the aftermath, he noted his eye appeared severely swollen, almost protruding from his face like a soft-boiled egg, leaving him blind in that eye. The loss of vision troubles him constantly, as he now navigates daily tasks like walking downstairs or crossing streets with heightened caution, even pouring water into a glass requires more attention.
He considers himself fortunate to have escaped brain damage, as it allowed him to remain true to himself.
The event moderator, Henry Reese, expressed regret to the BBC, reflecting on whether quicker action could have averted the attack. Despite this, Sir Salman’s appreciation for those who aided him, including Mr. Reese and the attending medical professionals, is unmistakable from the outset of “Knife.”
The book is dedicated to “those remarkable individuals who rescued me from peril.”
Sir Salman has, for the first time, disclosed what he wishes to convey to his purported assailant.
Hadi Matar, a 26-year-old resident of New Jersey, faces charges of stabbing him. Mr. Matar has entered a plea of not guilty and is currently held without bail.
During an interview with the New York Post conducted from jail, Mr. Matar mentioned that he had viewed videos of Sir Salman on YouTube. “I don’t appreciate individuals who behave in a disingenuous manner like that,” remarked Mr. Matar.
Salman Rushdie discusses the near-fatal knife assault he endured in 2022 in an interview with Alan Yentob, preceding the release of a new book detailing the aftermath of the event.
In “Knife,” Sir Salman engages in a fictional dialogue with his assailant, offering his rebuttal.
“Is it justifiable to contemplate exterminating all those who, in America, feign honesty while concealing their true intentions with masks of deceit?” he inquires.
Though Sir Salman and Mr. Matar have yet to cross paths, the prospect looms as they anticipate their encounter in court during the forthcoming trial.
The trial, initially postponed due to the defendant’s legal team asserting their right to scrutinize Sir Salman’s book as potential evidence, is now slated to proceed in the autumn.
Salman Rushdie rose to prominence with the publication of Midnight’s Children in 1981, which achieved remarkable success with over one million copies sold in the UK alone.
However, his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses, provoked controversy for its portrayal of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and its exploration of religious themes, leading to its ban in several Muslim-majority nations.
In 1989, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, then Iran’s leader, issued a fatwa, or religious edict, calling for Rushdie’s assassination and offering a $3 million (£2.4 million) reward for his death. This fatwa remains in effect to this day.
Consequently, Rushdie lived in hiding for nearly a decade and required constant protection from armed guards due to the numerous death threats he received.
Salman recollects a moment when, amidst a pool of blood, he found himself strangely preoccupied with his personal possessions. Concerns about his Ralph Lauren suit being tarnished and the fear of losing his house keys and credit cards occupied his thoughts. He acknowledges the absurdity of such worries in that dire situation. Yet, reflecting on it later, he interprets it as a sign that a part of him was not ready to accept death. It suggests to him that deep down, there was a subconscious desire to hold on to life, as evidenced by his concern for mundane items like house keys and credit cards.
He elaborated that a “survival instinct” within him was urging: “You will endure. Embrace life. Thrive.”
A year prior to the assault, Sir Salman tied the knot with his fifth spouse, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, an American poet and novelist.
Recalling the moment of the attack, Lady Rushdie recounted to the BBC that she was overcome with screams, declaring it to be the most agonizing day of her life.
Lady Rushdie vividly recalls standing by Sir Salman’s side as surgeons delicately stitched his eyelids shut.
“I cherished both his eyes when he left home, and then everything changed,” she reflected. “Now, I cherish his singular eye even more for the perspective it brings to our world.”
Sir Salman characterizes Knife as not only a tale of terror but also, importantly, a narrative deeply woven with themes of love.
He described the clash as a confrontation between two powerful energies: one driven by violence, fanaticism, and bigotry, and the other by love, embodied in his wife, Eliza. Ultimately, he concluded that love triumphed over hatred.
Regarding future public events, Sir Salman stated he would exercise greater caution, prioritizing security above all else. He emphasized his determination not to be deterred, asserting his refusal to lead a restricted or constrained life.
Rushdie’s candidness about his struggles serves as a powerful reminder that even people we admire have their own battles to fight. It’s important to recognize and empathize with the emotional toll that physical changes can have on an individual. As we go about our days, let’s make an effort to be more understanding and supportive of those facing similar challenges. Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences and the courage it takes to navigate life’s obstacles. Let’s continue to create a kinder, more compassionate world for everyone.
Read More: Salman Rushdie stabbing trial delayed over upcoming book
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