“An open society there has to be open access to literary works, regardless of fear.” Yep. Anti-dhimmitude in Europe. But not, so far, in the U.S. An update on this story.
“British publisher to bring out controversial Prophet Mohammed novel,” from AFP, September 3:
A novel about the Prophet Mohammed and his child bride, which has already caused controversy in the United States and Serbia, will be released in Britain next month, its publisher said Wednesday.
Publishing house Gibson Square, known for having sold other controversial books, such as Alexander Litvinenko’s “Blowing Up Russia”, said it was “imperative” that “The Jewel of Medina” by American author Sherry Jones be available to the public.
Random House announced last month that it had cancelled publication of the book — a fictional account of the Prophet’s relationship with his youngest bride Aisha — in the United States, saying it had been informed by credible sources that the book could incite violence.
The book was also released in Serbia last month, but was withdrawn after protests from the local Muslim community.
Martin Rynja, publishing director at Gibson Square, said, however, that in “an open society there has to be open access to literary works, regardless of fear.”
“Canceled Muhammad novel finds new publisher,” from AP, September 3:
BERLIN (AP) — A historical novel about the prophet Muhammad and his child bride that was pulled by Random House over concerns it would anger Muslims will be printed by another German publisher, the author said in an interview released Wednesday.
Germany’s Leipziger Volkszeitung newspaper said Sherry Jones told them her debut novel “The Jewel of Medina” will be published in October in English. The American author declined to identify the publisher or give other details, but dismissed concerns it could provoke violence, the newspaper reported.
“To claim that Muslims will answer my book with violence is pure nonsense,” Jones said. “Anyone who reads the book will see that it honors the prophet and his favorite wife.”
Wonderful. An opportunity missed to defend the human rights of girls victimized by child marriage in Islamic lands.