Salman Rushdie delves into the terrifying and traumatizing experience of surviving an attempted murder in his newest memoir “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder.” Rushdie vividly recounts the horrifying 27 seconds he spent with his black-clad attacker, during which he reflects on Shakespeare’s sonnet No. 130. Rushdie’s clothes were cut off and his legs were raised to maintain blood flow, leaving him feeling humiliated yet grateful to be alive. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including a deep knife wound in his hand, multiple stab wounds on his neck and face, and a knife plunged into his eye, Rushdie considers himself fortunate that his attacker lacked the skill to cause fatal harm.
The gravity of Rushdie’s injuries becomes evident as he details the extent of the damage, including severed tendons and nerves in his hand, deep stab wounds across his body, and the loss of vision in one eye. Despite the severity of his wounds, medical professionals express astonishment at his survival, attributing it to his assailant’s ineptitude. Rushdie’s reflections on the incident highlight both the physical and emotional toll it took on him, as well as the resilience and gratitude he feels for his survival. The memoir provides a stark and candid account of the aftermath of the attack, shedding light on the lasting impact of such a traumatic event.
In contrast to his previous memoir “Joseph Anton,” which focuses on his years in hiding after the fatwa was announced, “Knife” delves into Rushdie’s personal life and relationships. The memoir introduces Rachel Eliza Griffiths, the American poet and novelist whom Rushdie meets, courts, and eventually marries, bringing a sense of hope and love to his narrative. The love story between Rushdie and Griffiths adds a sense of lightness and optimism to the memoir, serving as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of his recovery process.
Rushdie’s portrayal of his ordeal and recovery in “Knife” underscores the resilience and strength he exhibited in the face of unimaginable adversity. His ability to find moments of humor and grace amidst the chaos and pain speaks to his unwavering spirit. Through his candid and introspective writing, Rushdie invites readers to witness his journey of healing and transformation, offering a compelling and deeply personal account of survival and renewal. Despite the physical and emotional challenges he faced, Rushdie’s memoir ultimately serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit to endure and overcome even the most harrowing of experiences.
As Rushdie navigates the complexities of his recovery and rehabilitation, he confronts the harsh realities of his injuries and the long road ahead. The poet John Berryman’s words about facing life’s worst ordeals, yet surviving to continue creating, resonate strongly with Rushdie’s own journey. Despite facing unimaginable physical trauma and enduring a brutal attack, Rushdie emerges from the darkness with a renewed sense of purpose and resolve. “Knife” stands as a testament to his resilience, courage, and unwavering determination to forge ahead, even in the face of profound adversity. Through his poignant and poignant memoir, Rushdie invites readers to bear witness to his journey of survival, healing, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
