New Salman Rushdie novel out in September: publishers

London, Jan 29: British author Salman Rushdie's first novel in seven years will be released in September, his publishers said today. The title, "Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights", is a reference to the collection of folk tales known as the Arabian Nights.

It "blends history, mythology and a timeless love story to bring alive a world that has been plunged into an age of unreason," publishers Jonathan Cape said in a statement. Rushdie, known for lengthy tomes such as the Booker Prize winning "Midnight's Children", says his latest book is shorter than previous works.

"It's not long. It will be something like 250 pages, which is like clearing my throat. I have finally learned how to shut up," he reportedly told the Cheltenham Literature Festival in southwest England last year.

Rushdie, 67, was placed under a fatwa by Iran over his 1988 book "The Satanic Verses" and received police protection. His last novel for adults was "The Enchantress of Florence" in 2008.

AFP