Salman Rushdie recalls ‘touchy-feely’ interaction with ‘auntie-like’ Margaret Thatcher
The IndependentSign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Though Thatcher was known for her formidable demeanour and leadership style, earning her the nickname “The Iron Lady”, the Satanic Verses author recalled her showing more welcoming traits when meeting her in person. open image in gallery Salman Rushdie and Margaret Thatcher The book features Rushdie only referring to his charged assailant, Hadi Matar, as “The A.”, short for “The Ass”, throughout. Addressing the audience via video call from his home in the US, Rushdie gave his reason for the naming practice, saying: “I owe it to Margaret Thatcher.” He explained that Thatcher had to find a way to tackle the Irish Republican Army, which launched a number of terrorist attacks against the UK throughout her time in No 10. open image in gallery Salman Rushdie and his wife, Rachel Eliza Griffiths Elsewhere in the podcast episode, released on Wednesday, Rushdie paid tribute to his fifth wife, novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths, to whom he’s been married since 2021.
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