Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Loss of one eye upsets me every day: Salman Rushdie 

The author said his eyes “looked swollen and it was kinda hanging out of my face like a soft-boil egg.”

• April 15, 2024
Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie [Photo Credit: BBC]

Indian-British author, Salman Rushdie, has opened up about the ongoing emotional struggle he faces every day following the loss of one eye.

The traumatic attack that made Mr Rushdie lose one eye happened during a speaking engagement at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York in August 2022.

In a recent interview with the BBC on April 15, Rushdie revealed that the profound loss continues to affect him on a daily basis. “Losing one eye upsets me every day, he said.

The author said his eyes “looked swollen and it was kinda hanging out of my face like a soft-boil egg.”

With his voice laden with emotions, he said, “And I’m blind.”

Mr Rushdie said he’s using his new  book, ‘knife’ (mediations after an attempted murder), as a way of fighting back 

Recalling how the assailant attacked him in the tragic incident that happened almost 2 years ago, the 76-year-old author said, “I couldn’t have fought him; I couldn’t have run away from him.”

Mr Rushdie said he discovered the need for heightened caution while walking down the stairs, crossing streets, and even performing seemingly simple tasks like pouring water into a glass. However, he considers himself fortunate to have escaped without any brain damage.

He indicated that his book is dedicated to “the man and women who saved my life.”

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States

Troops rescue kidnap victims, nab terrorist logistics suppliers in operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi

The statement noted that on 19 July 2026 vehicle conveying 10 motorcycles suspected to be for terrorists were intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation in Kebbi State.

Courtroom

States

Man, 23, in court for allegedly threatening to kill his parents

The prosecutor said the offences contravene Sections 97, 287 and 396 of the Penal Code.

APC LOGO

States

Court adjourns Benue candidates’ suit against APC until August 27

The judge warned that absence of any counsel resulting in a delay of the proceedings would attract sanctions.

Uba Sani of Kaduna State (Credit: Twitter)

Heading 4

Gov. Sani lectures states on how to copy Kaduna’s peace model 

Mr Sani stressed that quality healthcare is not for a privileged few in Kaduna State but ‘’a fundamental right of everyone, particularly the downtrodden.’’

Cardoso+CBN logo

Heading 2

CBN retains benchmark interest rate at 26.5%

The latest decision to maintain the current policy stance followed a thorough assessment of the balance of risks.