Salman Rushdie: “The world has abandoned realism”

The novelist on the threat to free speech, facing his attacker, and why writing Knife gave him back “the power”.

by Erica Wagner

newstatesman.com/the-weekend-in…

Emily Roebling, through the talents of Liz Wisan, actor on HBO’s The Gilded Age, will join Commencement speaker Reid Wiseman at our Bicentennial Commencement. She will be awarded a posthumous honorary degree, the 1st in RPI history. #RPI200 #RPI2024

'Contrary to what many people want to believe, the novel is in good shape these days, as healthy and vigorous as it’s ever been. It’s an inexhaustible form, and no matter what the pessimists say, it’s never going to die.'

Paul Auster

theparisreview.org/interviews/121…

“Paul Auster, who has died at the age of 77 in Brooklyn — where he lived his wife, the writer Siri Hustvedt — leaves a lasting and distinctive legacy in English-language literature.”

🖊️ Erica Wagner on Paul Auster newstatesman.com/culture/books/…

lovely story

I hated having to write this. Paul Auster was a giant in every way. What a loss.

OK, here it is, an imperfect list of the songs that make us cry. It's my personal selection of all your suggestions and it's still 11.5 hours long so don't ask me to add any more but feel free to plunder this list and make your own. Ideally not on Spotify open.spotify.com/playlist/4wV2U…

Attn Karen Falk 😊

Yes, read her 🧵 and buy her book. It’s
remarkable.

Will be brilliant. Can’t wait!

The novelist on the threat to free speech, facing his attacker, and why writing Knife gave him back “the power”.

🗣️ Erica Wagner’s interview with Salman Rushdie
newstatesman.com/the-weekend-in…

“I have a very old-fashioned view, which is that the defence of free expression begins at the point at which somebody says something you don’t like. It’s a very simple thing, but it’s being forgotten.”

Salman Rushdie talks to Erica Wagner

newstatesman.com/the-weekend-in…

“The not-guilty plea is a kind of absurdity.”

🗣️ Erica Wagner’s interview with Salman Rushdie
newstatesman.com/the-weekend-in…

I really admire Lucy Ellmann. But I never understand why teaching/learning writing is seen as different (inferior) to teaching/learning music/visual art/dance, anything. The former seen as somehow a con (yeah?) the latter, apprenticeship to a craft. Anyhow. 🤷‍♀️

This is so beautiful and sad —

Been trying hard with #Ripley but may have to abandon. Andrew Scott is just too old…? It’s weird. Trying to overcome but not succeeding.

Hello Quooker UK I just spoke to Ahmed on the phone regarding a service and wanted to let you know how helpful he was. Thank you!

Can’t wait to see this important film by my friend Vanessa Hope 葛靜文 — 🌟

I'm so glad to hear it was inspiring for you; it was for me, too. So much to think about and hold onto. Mostly: love and hope.

I’m left with a unshakeable feeling of optimism after hearing Salman Rushdie discuss his new memoir with Erica Wagner. So good that the book was ordered before I even left the Southbank.

Thanks to English PEN for having me!