Monday, July 20, 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.”

FRSC personnel on highway

Abuja

FRSC launches operation ‘Sauka Lafiya’ to curb road crashes in FCT, Niger

FRSC deployed 3,339 personnel, 69 patrol vehicles, 18 ambulances, four tow trucks and 24 motorcycles. 

Attendees at the Induction

Lagos

Lagos council inducts 156 financial inclusion experts

The chairman urged the inductees to use the digital devices provided to them with integrity.

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)

Heading 1

FCCPC resumes implementation of digital lending regulations

WASPAN had challenged the Commission’s authority to issue and implement the DEON Regulations.

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat

Heading 5

Lagos seeks stronger ties with Turkey to boost investment opportunities

Mr Hamzat described the longstanding relationship between Lagos and Turkish firms as productive. 

National Assembly Complex

NationWide

FG, NASS reiterate commitment to support roles of electricity regulators

Mr Babalola said the Electricity Act decentralises aspects of governance.

Fidelis Chiwara at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for the Africa Tech 50 (AT50) Market Open panel discussion

Economy

Flutterwave’s Fidelis Chiwara advocates stronger ecosystem collaboration at AT50 Market Open

Mr Chiwara stressed that Africa’s long-term opportunity lies in creating stronger connections between markets.