Salman Rushdie

Studio 360

When it came to writing his new children’s book, Luka and the Fire of Life, the novelist Salman Rushdie stuck with his attraction to moody themes. “I’ve always liked writing that slightly writes against the grain of what it’s supposed to be doing,” he tells Kurt. “So if it’s a kind of dark thing you try to make it black comedy.”

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!