51 pages • 1 hour read
Salman RushdieKnife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2024A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.