What will you learn from this book
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Complexity of Identity: Rushdie explores the multifaceted nature of identity, particularly in the context of cultural, religious, and political affiliations. Characters grapple with their sense of self amid shifting societal dynamics.
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The Power of Love and Betrayal: Central to the narrative is the theme of love and its dark counterpart, betrayal. Love is depicted as both transformative and destructive, driving characters to extreme actions.
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Political Turmoil and Violence: Set against the backdrop of Kashmir's political unrest, the novel delves into the consequences of ideological conflict and the ways in which violence perpetuates cycles of revenge.
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Colonial Legacy and Postcolonial Realities: Rushdie interrogates the enduring impact of colonialism on Kashmiri society and the struggle for autonomy in the postcolonial era, highlighting the complexities of liberation movements.
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Religious Tensions and Extremism: The novel examines the interplay between religious identity and extremism, particularly within the context of Islam and Hinduism. It sheds light on how religious ideologies can be manipulated for political gain.
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The Complexity of Justice: Concepts of justice and retribution are explored through the characters' quest for vengeance. Rushdie raises questions about the nature of justice and whether it can ever truly be attained through acts of violence.
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The Interconnectedness of Lives: Through interconnected narratives spanning continents and generations, the novel underscores the ways in which individual lives are intertwined and shaped by broader historical forces.
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The Fluidity of Memory and History: Rushdie challenges conventional notions of history and memory, presenting them as subjective and malleable constructs influenced by personal perspectives and political agendas.
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Art as a Form of Resistance: Artistic expression serves as a form of resistance against oppression and injustice, allowing characters to assert their agency and preserve their cultural heritage amidst adversity.
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The Search for Redemption and Forgiveness: Amidst the turmoil and tragedy, characters grapple with the possibility of redemption and forgiveness, confronting their past actions and seeking a path towards healing and reconciliation.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10 | 0670099589 |
| ISBN-13 | 9780670099580 |
| No of pages | 320 |
| Font Size | Medium |
| Book Publisher | Penguin Books |
| Published Date | 16 Apr 2024 |
About Author
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On the morning of August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie was standing onstage at the Chautauqua Institution, preparing to give a lecture on the importance of keeping writers safe from harm, when a man wearing black clothes and a black mask rushed down the aisle toward him, wielding a knife. His first thought: So it’s you. Here you are.
What followed was a horrific act of violence that shook the literary world and beyond. Now, for the first time, and in unforgettable detail, Rushdie relives the traumatic events of that day and its aftermath, as well as his journey toward physical recovery and the healing that was made possible by the love and support of his wife, Eliza, his family, his army of doctors and physical therapists, and his community of readers worldwide.
Knife is Rushdie at the peak of his powers, writing with urgency, with gravity, with unflinching honesty. It is also a deeply moving reminder of literature’s capacity to make sense of the unthinkable, an intimate and life-affirming meditation on life, loss, love, art―and finding the strength to stand up again.