In The Eleventh Hour, Salman Rushdie writes like he’s running out of time

In The Eleventh Hour, Salman Rushdie Confronts Time and Legacy

The stories in The Eleventh Hour offer metaphorical glimpses into Salman Rushdie’s life, reflecting an urgent desire to revisit his literary journey amid uncertain times. The title itself suggests a pressing moment to tell these tales. This collection follows Knife (2024), which dealt with the aftermath of his 2022 stage attack.

Exploring Literary History and Faith

The central story focuses on students and writers within the libraries of English literary history. Two stories take place in India, exploring the complex relationship between faith and doubt.

Stylistic Innovation and Grand Themes in America

The final two stories are set in America, where Rushdie uses innovative styles to tackle large issues such as authenticity, censorship, and fraud.

Story Spotlight: In the South

First published in The New Yorker, this story reflects on death and aging, inspired by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which claimed around 250,000 lives. It depicts two elderly neighbors and their interactions with family and community.

"Typically Rushdie in structural and narrative prowess, it portrays the astounding everyday."

The neighbors, nicknamed Junior and Senior, share only a first name—kept undisclosed—and depend on each other. Junior is hopeful and calm, while Senior is more cynical and melancholy.

Revisiting Earlier Works

Similar to his earlier collection East, West (1995), In the South is a close character study that examines small details while posing profound questions.

Author’s summary: Salman Rushdie’s The Eleventh Hour masterfully blends urgent storytelling with deep reflections on faith, identity, and mortality, highlighting his enduring literary skill in a rapidly changing world.

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The Conversation The Conversation — 2025-11-05

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