What's happened
Salman Rushdie will release 'The Eleventh Hour,' his first fiction since the 2022 attack on him. The collection features three novellas exploring themes of mortality and farewell, set in India, England, and the US. It will be published on November 4, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Themes and Structure
- Interconnected Stories: 'The Eleventh Hour' comprises three novellas and two shorter works, all written in the past year, exploring interconnected themes of mortality and farewell.
- Cultural Reflections: The stories traverse locations significant to Rushdie, including Chennai, Bombay, and Cambridge, reflecting his personal and literary journey.
Significance of Timing
- Healing Through Fiction: Rushdie's return to fiction is seen as a step towards healing after his traumatic experience, indicating a restoration of his creative powers.
- Cultural Commentary: The collection addresses universal questions about life and death, making it relevant to a broad audience, especially in the context of recent global events.
Future Implications
- Literary Impact: This collection is likely to reinforce Rushdie's status as a significant literary figure, potentially attracting both new readers and long-time fans.
- Advocacy for Free Expression: As a prominent advocate for free speech, Rushdie's work continues to resonate in discussions about artistic freedom and the consequences of censorship.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Rushdie's collection 'The Eleventh Hour' is described as comprising 'five interlinked stories and novellas that explore the eternal mysteries of the eleventh hour of life.' The Independent highlights that the novellas revisit themes of mortality and farewell, with Rushdie stating, 'I have come to think of the quintet as a single work.' AP News emphasizes the significance of the collection as Rushdie's first fiction since his attack, noting that it includes 'unforgettable characters' and reflects on places he has lived. This multifaceted coverage illustrates the anticipation surrounding Rushdie's return to fiction and the broader implications of his work in the current cultural landscape.
How we got here
Rushdie's new collection follows his memoir 'Knife,' detailing the 2022 attack that left him injured. His last novel, 'Victory City,' was completed before the incident. The upcoming work reflects on themes that have preoccupied him since.
Go deeper
- What themes are explored in 'The Eleventh Hour'?
- How has Rushdie's experience influenced his writing?
- When will the book be available for purchase?
Common question
-
What to Expect from Salman Rushdie's New Collection 'The Eleventh Hour'?
Salman Rushdie's upcoming collection, 'The Eleventh Hour,' is set to release on November 4, 2025. This marks a significant return to fiction for the acclaimed author following a tumultuous period in his life. Readers are eager to know what themes and narratives will emerge from this new work, especially in light of Rushdie's recent experiences. Below, we explore common questions about this highly anticipated collection.
-
What Can Readers Expect from Salman Rushdie's New Collection 'The Eleventh Hour'?
Salman Rushdie is making a significant return to fiction with his upcoming collection 'The Eleventh Hour,' set to be released on November 4, 2025. This marks his first fiction since the life-altering attack in 2022. Readers are eager to discover how his experiences have shaped this new work and what themes he explores within its pages. Below, we answer some common questions about this highly anticipated collection.
More on these topics
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie (born 19 June 1947) is an Indian-born British and American novelist. His work often combines magical realism with historical fiction and primarily deals with connections, disruptions, and migrations between Eastern and Western...
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.