Reflecting

Thursday, August 18, 2022

The recent knife attack on Salman Rushdie is a horror story that occurred in public. That law-abiding renowned author became attacked while seating himself onstage to address a large crowd of fans. His assailant, a knife-wielding twenty-four-year-old male, dashed from the audience and repeatedly stabbed Rushdie’s face and upper body.

Fortunately, for modern, enlightened citizens worldwide, Rushdie has survived. However, he will lose an eye and most likely return to hiding to escape death threats that for years have followed him. (If you don’t know Rushdie’s story and significance, google him for details.)

I haven’t read “The Satanic Verses,” his work that mightily upset a religious world, nor read anything else by Rushdie. News coverage keeps me aware that post-Satanic, he hasn’t enjoyed a normal everyday life for fear of being terrorized, similar to the horrific knifing attack.

Today, I came across an essay that Rushdie wrote in 2021. It introduced me to his excellent and impactful writing. In it, he reflects on reading during childhood; he explores how and why ancient stories and fairy tales remain significant throughout a reader’s life. He writes that early reading causes thinking and wondering; thus, childhood stories graduate into living elements of adult perceptions and sensitivities.

If you can, take a few minutes to read it for yourself: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/24/opinion/sunday/salman-rushdie-world-literature.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article

Dear Friends: This morning, I ordered a couple of Rushdie’s books. Diana