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Salman Rushdie’s *Knife* Blends Trauma and Wit in Five Haunting Tales

A defiant return to fiction: Rushdie transforms personal trauma into art, blending satire with sorrow. His sharpest work yet asks what survives when words fail.

There is an open book on which something is written.
There is an open book on which something is written.

Approaching Death: Salman Rushdie's 'The Eleventh Hour' - Salman Rushdie’s *Knife* Blends Trauma and Wit in Five Haunting Tales

Salman Rushdie, the renowned 78-year-old author, has returned to fiction with 'Knife', his first work since the 2022 attack on his life. Despite the heavy themes, Rushdie's signature wit persists throughout the book. The book comprises five short stories, each revolving around death. Rushdie projects himself into his narrators and protagonists, with autobiographical parallels evident throughout. He even shifts to first-person narration in some parts. Rushdie's characters observe political and societal shifts with a mix of resignation and bewilderment. The book features real historical figures and those inspired by them, such as Alan Turing, Francisco Goya, and Hieronymus Bosch. Language itself is portrayed as a tragic character, reflecting Rushdie's long-standing exploration of its power and limitations. In 'Knife', Rushdie continues to push the boundaries of fiction, drawing from his own experiences and exploring universal themes. Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, Rushdie's trademark humor shines through, reminding readers of his unique literary voice.

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