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Salman Rushdie’s memoir is horrific, upsetting – and a masterpiece

Salman Rushdie’s memoir is horrific, upsetting – and a masterpiece

In “Knife”, the author recounts his wounds and recovery in graphic detail, a documentary record which he leavens with humour.

Erica Wagner

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It was the summer of 2022. I’d discovered that Salman Rushdie and one of my oldest friends were members of the same private members’ club. Wouldn’t it be great, I thought to myself, if these two cool guys could meet?

So, on August 9, the three of us gathered for a drink in lower Manhattan. Salman drank an old-fashioned, my friend and I had sake over ice, and we talked about being New Yorkers – as Salman is now, having moved there nearly 25 years ago, and as I’ll always consider myself, though I’ve lived for many years in London.

The Telegraph London

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Original URL: https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/arts-and-culture/salman-rushdie-s-memoir-is-horrific-upsetting-and-a-masterpiece-20240415-p5fjzg