The Jewel of Medina
The Jewel of Medina, a novel about the Prophet Muhammed’s third wife Aisha, was dropped by Random House earlier this year because of “fears” that it would incite a small radical proportion of Muslims to “violence”. Salman Rushdie expressed concern over Random House’s move, saying it was “censorship by fear”. I happen to agree, but that’s beside the point.
Thankfully, Gibson Square has the stones to publish the novel. I have to say I’m gratified, mostly because a religion that can’t take novelizations/art without threatening authors/artists with death is hardly something I think the reasonable Divine in any facet would approve of. I’m fully aware that some of my own subject matter could have gotten me burned at the stake not so long ago, too. So, huzzah for Gibson Square. It’s nice to find out someone isn’t scared of wild-eyed fanatics with threats and agendas.
Let’s hope the bravery spreads, shall we?
