Salman Rushdie recounts the harrowing 27 seconds of a knife attack that almost took his life

Acclaimed author Salman Rushdie recently shared his harrowing experience of surviving a brutal knife attack that left him with life-threatening injuries. Rushdie, known for his controversial novel “The Satanic Verses,” was stabbed multiple times in the face, neck, arm, and abdomen while preparing to give a lecture in Chautauqua, western New York in August 2022.

Despite the severity of his wounds, Rushdie credits a series of “man-made miracles” for his survival. Trauma surgeons initially doubted he would make it, as he suffered 14 stab wounds and lost his right eye in the attack. Rushdie described the knife going as deep as his optic nerve, causing irreversible damage to his vision.

Reflecting on the terrifying ordeal, Rushdie expressed gratitude for the medical science that saved his life. He recounted the moment he felt death looming but remained calm, acknowledging the sadness of potentially dying far from home and loved ones.

The alleged assailant, Hadi Matar, has been charged with attempted murder and assault, pleading not guilty and awaiting trial. Rushdie has since penned a memoir titled “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder,” detailing the attack and his journey to recovery.

Despite the trauma, Rushdie remains determined to move forward and return to his passion for storytelling. He hopes that his latest book will allow him to focus on creating fiction once again, leaving behind the shadow of the attack and embracing the second chance at life he has been given.