Salman Rushdie is set to release his first collection of novellas and short stories, titled "The Eleventh Hour," on November 4, 2025, marking his return to fiction after the traumatic stabbing incident in 2022.

In February 2025, Rushdie testified against his assailant, Hadi Matar, who was convicted of assault and attempted murder, with sentencing scheduled for April 23, 2025.

Rushdie views his return to fiction as a sign of healing and the restoration of his imaginative capabilities following the challenges he faced after the attack.

The collection consists of five interlinked stories and novellas that delve into themes related to the eleventh hour of life, exploring mortality and farewells.

Rushdie's publisher, Vintage, notes that the book addresses fundamental questions about mortality and the process of bidding farewell to one's home.

The stories, written in the last year, reflect Rushdie's thoughts on themes such as mortality, personal anger, and peace, creating a conversation between diverse narratives.

The novellas feature unique characters, including a musical prodigy, a ghost aiding a student in vengeance, and a deceased literary mentor, set across India, England, and the U.S.

One of the novellas takes place in an English college, involving an undead academic seeking revenge on a tormentor.

Another story features two men in Chennai dealing with personal tragedy during a national crisis, while one revisits the Bombay neighborhood from his novel "Midnight's Children," showcasing a magical musician's struggles.

Rushdie describes the collection as a cohesive work and expresses hope that readers will appreciate the interconnectedness of the stories.

Rushdie's previous acclaimed works include the Booker Prize-winning "Midnight's Children," and he completed "Victory City" shortly before the stabbing incident.

His memoir, "Knife," published in 2024, was a finalist for a National Book Award and chronicles his experiences after the attack and his past struggles with the fatwa issued against him in 1989.