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Author postpones British release of The Jewel of Medina

10.10.2008 21:07 Arts - Source: cbc.ca

Sherry Jones has postponed British publication of The Jewel of Medina. (Associated Press)

American writer Sherry Jones has decided to postpone the U.K. publication of her novel The Jewel of Medina and has cancelled a publicity tour to London planned for next week.

Publisher Gibson Square announced the change Friday, saying it respects Jones's decision.

Last weekend, the London building that serves as Gibson Square offices and the home of publisher Martin Rygja was targeted with a firebomb.

After the bombing, Jones said she wanted to proceed with the U.K. release of her book, a first-person narrative telling the story of the Prophet Mohammad's favourite wife, Aisha.

She appears to have reversed her decision, but Gibson Square has not outlined her reasons.

"It is not an easy call for any author, particularly in the case of a debut novel that attracts so much attention from the British media," the publisher said in a statement. "We appreciate that she will continue to make time available to any interested British groups to dispel misinformation about The Jewel of Medina."

After the firebombing, U.S. publisher Beaufort Books sped up publication of the book, which Jones said she wrote to increase understanding of Islam.

The book was released in the U.S. Monday, and so far there have been no incidents connected to it.

London's Gibson Square said publication of the book in Germany and Italy is going ahead. It invited discussion of the book by groups that might be concerned it would offend religious sensibilities.

"We hope that they will get in touch with us to receive further information about her hopes for her novel to foster greater understanding of Islam for Western readers," the publisher said. "Despite the controversy of the past two weeks, Sherry Jones's intention remains as it was from the start to engage with a current debate in a positive way."

No future date for publishing in Britain was set.

Random House initially agreed to publish the debut novel in August, but backed down when it was told the book might incite violence.

Beaufort Books and Gibson Square are among several smaller publishers around the world who subsequently bought rights to the book.

Three men each face two charges of conspiracy to destroy property and endanger life in connection with the London firebombing.

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