Sir Salman Rushdie is set to appear in person in the United Kingdom for the first time since the 2022 stabbing incident that left him blind in one eye. The esteemed British-Indian author expressed his happiness about coming back, stating he is pleased to return “after too long.” He is scheduled to participate in a special session at the renowned Hay Festival, where he will discuss his latest literary works, Knife and Victory City.
This public appearance follows a violent attack on Rushdie in August 2022 while he was speaking on stage in New York. The assault was particularly significant because it came after years of threats on his life linked to the publication of his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses, a work of fiction inspired by the life of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. Following its release, the book ignited global controversy and led to multiple countries banning it, including India, Pakistan, and South Africa.
Rushdie’s appearance at the Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, will place him among a distinguished list of public figures and creatives. Other notable names attending include Michael Sheen, Ruth Jones of Gavin and Stacey fame, TV presenter Stacey Dooley, and Mary Trump, the niece of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Sir Salman Rushdie has an impressive literary portfolio consisting of 22 books spanning fiction and non-fiction. Among his many accolades, he won the prestigious Booker Prize for his celebrated novel Midnight’s Children. His later works, including The Satanic Verses and Quichotte, also received Booker Prize shortlist nominations.
Following the backlash to The Satanic Verses, Rushdie spent years in hiding due to serious threats to his life. The most prominent of these came in 1989, when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran at the time, issued a fatwa — a religious decree — calling for Rushdie’s assassination. More than three decades later, in an act believed to be motivated by the fatwa, Rushdie was attacked on stage at a literary event in New York.
During the attack, Rushdie sustained multiple serious injuries. These included significant damage to his liver, loss of vision in his right eye, and a paralysed hand due to nerve damage. The assailant, 27-year-old Hadi Matar, was convicted of attempted murder and assault. He faces a potential prison sentence of over 30 years.
In a candid interview conducted two years after the attack, Rushdie described the severity of his injuries and the long-lasting effects they have had on him. Reflecting on the condition of his eye after the stabbing, he said it was left dangling down his face “like a soft-boiled egg.” He added, “Losing it upsets me every day.” Recalling the terrifying experience, he admitted, “I remember thinking I was dying. Fortunately, I was wrong.”
Despite the trauma, Rushdie has used his experience as a source of strength and creative inspiration. His new book, Knife, serves as a direct response to the assault and its aftermath. He sees the act of writing as a form of resistance and a tool for recovery. Speaking of the book, he explained that it was his way of pushing back against the violence he endured.
This year’s Hay Festival is expected to draw about 150,000 attendees, continuing its legacy as one of the leading arts and literature events in the UK. The festival, now in its 38th spring edition, will run from May 22 to June 1 and feature over 600 events. These sessions span topics from politics and science to fiction, poetry, and beyond.
Festival president Sir Stephen Fry referred to the event as a “carnival of ideas,” underscoring its broad and inclusive cultural scope. Meanwhile, Hay Festival’s global chief executive, Julie Finch, emphasized the significance of Sir Salman’s return to the UK and his presence at the festival. She noted, “In a very special event, we’ll explore his recent work and the power of storytelling to change the world. We know how much this appearance will mean.”
Rushdie’s return is particularly meaningful not only because of his recent suffering but also because of what he represents in the literary world. As a writer who has long championed freedom of expression, his participation sends a powerful message about resilience, courage, and the enduring importance of literature in the face of extremism.
The Hay Festival’s platform offers a fitting venue for such a conversation. With its rich history of promoting dialogue, creativity, and open debate, the festival continues to be a beacon for readers and thinkers around the world. Sir Salman’s appearance is likely to be one of the most anticipated and emotionally charged moments of the event.
With this return, Rushdie reclaims his place on the public stage, not just as a victim of violence but as a voice that refuses to be silenced. His resilience, along with his continuing literary contributions, highlights the ongoing relevance of his work and message.
Julie Finch summed up the sentiments of many in saying, “We’re honoured to welcome Sir Salman back in person.” Her words reflect the deep respect and admiration that the literary community holds for the author. It also signals a moment of collective acknowledgment—of both the personal cost Rushdie has paid and the symbolic victory his reappearance represents.
As thousands prepare to gather in Hay-on-Wye, the presence of a man who has lived through censorship, exile, and physical attack yet continues to write and speak out, will surely resonate deeply with audiences. For many, Sir Salman Rushdie’s participation at the Hay Festival is not merely about literature—it is about the enduring triumph of ideas over intimidation.
