Steppin' Out

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Salman Rushdie speaks of triumphs, tribulations

By Tiffany Carney

Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie's novels have topped bestseller lists across the globe and sparked international controversy at the same time.

Rushdie, originally from India, will speak of his personal and literary experiences at an appearance and book signing Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Morris Dailey Auditorium at San Jose State University.

The acclaimed author of such works of fiction as Midnight's Children, The Moor's Last Sigh and The Satanic Verses, Rushdie is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Man Booker Prize. Recognition of another sort came in the form of a fatwa issued in 1989 by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, who claimed The Satanic Verses was sacrilegious. Rushdie went into years of hiding following the proclamation.

His most recent novel is Shalimar the Clown, and like most of his other novels, dabbles in political views and religious perspectives.

SJSU English and comparative literature professor Revathi Krishnaswamy will lead a 30-minute question-and-answer period following Rushdie's presentation.

"Students have a great deal to gain from listening to his perspective," says Krishnaswamy, who plans to ask about his opinions on the war in Iraq, religion and feminism and how each relates to his books.

"He is a great presenter and his talks are entertaining and informative," she says.

General admission tickets are $25, and $10 for SJSU students. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and at the SJSU Event Center box office.