Author Salman Rushdie visits Hopkins

Hopkins was honored to welcome author Sir Salman Rushdie, who spoke at a special assembly this morning, February 15, 2013. 

 

The British-Indian novelist is well known for his controversial work, The Satanic Verses, which earned international literary acclaim as well as threats on his life from the Ayatollah Khomeini. He has written eleven novels thus far in his career, as well as his memoir, Joseph Anton, published earlier this year. His novel Midnight's Children will soon be released as a film.

 

Recently, Head of School Barbara Riley named Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories as the "All School Book." Copies were distributed to all students, faculty and staff in advance of his visit. This morning, he spoke to the school about this book specifically. He shared that in writing Haroun, he wanted to create a story for his son that would bring lifelong enjoyment. He commented that the best books and movies are those that appeal to a readers or viewers of all ages. 

 

After his talk of about 35 minutes, Rushdie took questions from the students, who inquired about his writing process, what he's working on now and whether he himself has the time and passion for reading. He shared that he believes the most successful storytellers present only a glimpse of the universes they have created in their novels, such as Tolkien and his stories of Middle Earth. 

 

Following assembly, a group of 80 students and teachers gathered in the Weissman Room to continue the conversation with Sir Rushdie. The discussion took a more political turn, as students asked Rushdie about his political and religious views. He shared that he enjoys reading translated novels by foreign writers, such as Haruki Murakami. Reading these stories have the power to make the reader feel at home in places they have never set foot. 

 

Many students stayed after assembly and the meet and greet to ask Sir Salman Rushdie to sign their copies of Haroun and the Sea of Stories. These signed books will be a memento of a wonderful morning spent discussing literature and storytelling with an incredibly inspiring author. 

To learn more about Sir Salman Rushdie and his work, please visit his website.