Salman Rushdies Literary Inspirations
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 9:00 pm
Rushdie Reveals Literary Influences
Acclaimed author Salman Rushdie recently shared insights into the literary works that have shaped his writing process. In a discussion, Rushdie highlighted several books that have served as guides and inspirations throughout his career. He noted that while he avoids reading fiction while writing his own, certain works have provided crucial guidance.
One key influence is Mikhail Bulgakov's *The Master and Margarita*, which Rushdie credits with helping him structure his own interwoven narratives. He admired the novel's humor and its ability to address serious themes, a quality he sought to emulate.
Franz Kafka's unfinished novel, *Amerika*, also played a role. Rushdie's latest book, *The Eleventh Hour*, features a novella titled "Oklahoma," which explores themes raised by Kafka's work. He was drawn to Kafka's exploration of seeking resolution and happiness.
Voltaire's *Candide* provided a model for Rushdie's own optimistic approach to storytelling. He found inspiration in the novel's protagonist, a character who embodies unwavering hope.
Finally, E.M. Forster's *A Passage to India* had a profound impact. Rushdie admired the book's courage in addressing anti-imperialist themes. He also noted that Forster's encouragement to write a great novel about India, as an Indian person with knowledge of Western literature, was a pivotal moment.
BNN's Perspective:
It's fascinating to see how diverse literary influences can shape a writer's work. Rushdie's choices reflect a blend of humor, social commentary, and a search for meaning, which is a testament to the power of literature to inspire and guide.
Keywords: Salman Rushdie, literary influences, The Master and Margarita, Franz Kafka, Amerika, Candide, Voltaire, A Passage to India, E.M. Forster, writing process, novels, inspiration, books, literature, author.