Salman Rushdie Discusses Free Speech on “The Eleventh Hour”

Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed author, recently visited McNally Jackson bookstore in Manhattan to browse his books. His latest release, “The Eleventh Hour,” marks his 23rd work, featuring a collection of short stories and novellas. Life for Rushdie changed dramatically following the 2022 assassination attempt that left him severely injured.

Details of the Attack

On August 12, 2022, at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, Rushdie was attacked while preparing to speak on freedom for writers in America. A man, identified as Hadi Matar, lunged at him with a knife, resulting in multiple stab wounds. This incident left Rushdie with significant injuries, including the loss of sight in his right eye and damage to his left hand and liver.

Legal Consequences

• Matar, Rushdie’s attacker, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in May 2023.
• Prosecutors linked Matar’s actions to the 1989 fatwa issued by Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini, which condemned Rushdie for passages in “The Satanic Verses.”

Life After the Attack

Reflecting on his ordeal, Rushdie noted changes in his life, especially regarding security at public events. He remarked, “There has to be security in a way that there wasn’t for 20 years.” Despite the traumatic experience, he expressed a sense of resilience, joking about his therapy sessions and his ability to navigate life without significant PTSD symptoms.

The Significance of “The Eleventh Hour”

Rushdie’s new book, “The Eleventh Hour,” carries a deeper meaning for him. At 78 years old, he grapples with mortality after his life-threatening experience. He explained, “I had a fairly intimate encounter with death, you know, and got away with it.” The stories within this collection touch on various themes, including political commentary and the challenges facing free speech.

Cultural Reflections

In addition to personal themes, the narratives explore Rushdie’s memories of his childhood in Mumbai, which he continues to refer to as Bombay. After leaving India at 13, becoming a British citizen, and later an American citizen in 2016, he reflects, “Oh, I can belong. And it felt very good.”

Concerns About Language and Society

Rushdie warns of a growing disconnection in society from the meanings of words. He believes the credibility of terms like “good” and “bad” is diminishing. In his collection, he portrays language as a character, symbolizing the struggle to maintain free speech in a climate of restriction. He warns of the implications of a world where “Nobody’s listening. Nobody cares.”

With this work, Rushdie continues to advocate for free speech, raising awareness of its importance even in a world where exercising it can be perilous.