British-Indian author Sir Salman Rushdie is internationally known for his imaginative storytelling and engagement with complex themes such as religion, history, politics, and identity. His services to literature have been recognised and is the receipt of numerous literary honors, including a knighthood.
Salman broke onto the scene in 1981 with his novel Midnight’s Children. This novel won him the Booker Prize. His previous and first-ever novel was Grimus, a science-fiction novel that garnered limited attention. Salman continued writing and went on to publish many more novels including The Satanic Verses which was published in 1988. This novel sparked widespread controversy among Muslim communities and significantly impacted Salman’s life for many years, living under police protection for nearly a decade and becoming the subject of several assassination attempts and a fatwa calling for his death from the Supreme Leader of Iran. This led to global fallouts, straining diplomatic relations between Iran and Western Countries. Many saw the decree as an attack on free speech and artistic expression, whilst some in the Muslim community viewed it as a defense of religious sanctity. Salman has continued to speak out on issues of free speech and returned to public life in the late 1990s.
Continuing to write and speak about free speech, Salman conducts public lectures and speaking engagements. In 2022 Salman was attacked on stage during a public lecture in New York. Despite this Salman continues to speak out and has released a new memoir, Knife, where he recounts his powerful story of healing after the 2022 attack. Knife has been named a best book of the year by The New Yorker, calling it “a short masterpiece”. Salman has been recognised for his work in literature, receiving numerous literary honors, including a knighthood in 2007 for his services to literature. Salman now participates in select literary festivals and discussions, focusing on themes of free speech, resilience and the role of literature in society. His current work reflect a deep engagement with contemporary issues, and continues to remain a vital voice in literature and public discourse.
If you are interested in hiring Salman Rushdie to speak at your next event do not hesitate to contact us today!
Books
Knife
Satanic Verses
Midnight's Children
- 2024 - Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder longlisted for National Book Award for Nonfiction
- 2023 - Published Victory City, acclaimed as a literary triumph
- 2012 - Released memoir Joseph Anton detailing life under the fatwa
- 2007 - Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to literature
- 1995 - Published The Moor's Last Sigh, a critically acclaimed novel
- 1993 - Won the "Booker of Bookers" for Midnight's Children
- 1988 - Published The Satanic Verses, sparking global controversy
- 1981 - Won the Booker Prize for Midnight’s Children
- 1975 - Debut novel Grimus marked his literary beginnings
How to hire Salman Rushdie
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Salman Rushdie for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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