Salman Rushdie Reflects on Life Post-Attack and Introduces New Book 'Knife'

In a recent interview, journalist Anderson Cooper spoke with author Salman Rushdie about the profound impact of a dream he had just days before a violent attack. Rushdie recounted his reluctance to attend an event, expressing to his wife, Eliza, that he felt unsafe. This premonition proved to be eerily accurate, as the space he entered turned out to be anything but secure. Rushdie reflected on the aftermath of the attack, noting the stark reality of living under a death threat since the publication of his controversial novel, "The Satanic Verses." He described the experience as surreal, emphasizing that the public perception of him was largely defined by this threat rather than his literary contributions. The weight of this notoriety has been a significant burden throughout his life. During the conversation, Cooper highlighted the brevity of the attack, lasting only 27 seconds, yet it left an indelible mark on Rushdie's psyche. The author shared that he initially felt a shift in his perspective following the incident, suggesting a transformation in his identity. However, he later realized that the change he anticipated did not fully materialize. Ultimately, Rushdie's reflections reveal the complexities of surviving such a traumatic experience. While he grappled with the notion of personal change, he acknowledged that the essence of who he is remained intact, despite the harrowing events that have shaped his life and career.