Knife

by Salman Rushdie
Knife cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 3973
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781529921175
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-04-16
  • Reviews: 3

On August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie was violently attacked on stage, an event that shook the literary world. In 'Knife,' he recounts the harrowing details of that day and his subsequent journey to recovery. This memoir is not just a narrative of survival but a profound exploration of life, love, and the enduring power of art./n/nRushdie's introspective and moving account delves into the themes of hatred and its defeat by love, offering a testament to human resilience. The book is celebrated for its raw honesty and the courage it takes to confront such a personal trauma, making it a powerful read that resonates beyond the pages.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2024-11-26
inspiring 4.00

The book serves as a clarion call for the values of the free world, reminding readers of the importance of fighting for what matters.

The reviewer sees 'Knife' as a clarifying and important book that underscores the threats to the free world and the values worth fighting for. They appreciate Rushdie's ability to weave a narrative that is both personal and universally significant. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring importance of free speech. The emotional and intellectual depth of the work makes it a must-read for anyone concerned about these issues.

Quick quotes

    "Knife" is a clarifying book.

    It reminds us of the threats the free world faces.

    It reminds us of the things worth fighting for.

My Fab Fifties Life · 2024-06-12
moving 4.50

This intimate and honest account of the attack and recovery is considered some of Rushdie's best work, blending vulnerability with resilience.

The reviewer praises Rushdie's raw and intimate portrayal of his near-death experience and subsequent recovery, describing it as some of his finest writing. They highlight the blend of vulnerability and resilience that makes the narrative compelling. The reviewer is particularly moved by the honesty with which Rushdie shares his journey, making it a deeply personal and impactful read. The emotional depth and candidness are what stand out, making it a memorable and powerful account.

Quick quotes

    This honest and intimate account of the attack, near death, and months in recovery is some of Rushdie's best work.

    Rushdie's vulnerability is palpable, making his story all the more compelling.

    A testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

The Guardian · 2024-04-21
profound 3.50

The book is a courageous defence of free speech but is somewhat marred by self-regard, making it both powerful and occasionally difficult to engage with.

The reviewer acknowledges the bravery in Rushdie's account of his near-fatal attack, highlighting its significance as a defence of free speech. However, they note that the narrative is tinged with self-regard, which can make the reading experience challenging at times. This duality creates a complex and thought-provoking read that balances profound insights with moments of introspection. The reviewer appreciates the raw honesty and the important message but finds the self-reflection overwhelming in places.

Quick quotes

    The author's account of the 2022 murder attempt is a courageous defence of free speech.

    It is also shot through with self-regard, making it a sometimes hard read.

    A life interrupted by violence, but also a life that refuses to be silenced.

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