Thursday, October 23, 2008

"Jewel of Medina" delayed again

I've mentioned the new novel about Aisha, Muhammad's third and perhaps favorite wife, "The Jewel of Medina," by American author Sherry Jones, a couple of times before. Random House had given her a nice advance, then canceled publication after a couple of academics objected, perhaps fearing a reaction similar to what greeted Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses," or those Danish cartoons. A British publisher picked it up and was supposed to put it out October 15, but has now delayed publication indefinitely. I suppose one can understand some reluctance, as this Stratfor piece suggests, it could spark a very negative reaction. Interestingly, it has been published in Serbia, and despite some threats no violence has ensued. I hope it's published soon and doesn't occasion protests, but while it is certainly a decision for a publisher to make, I'd hope it can be published even if some goons are making threats.

No comments: