The Bookseller.com

20th November 2008

Jewel in 'suspended animation'

30.09.08 Catherine Neilan

The UK publication of The Jewel of Medina is in "suspended animation" according to Gibson Square's external sales team Compass, following this weekend's attempted attack on publisher Martin Rynja's house. Alan Jessop, m.d. of Compass, this morning (Tuesday 30th September) spoke to Rynja who said he would be taking some time out to decide whether to continue with plans to publish the controversial historial novel. Jessop said: "He is in good spirits, but has put publication in suspended animation while he reflects and takes advice on what the best foot forward is."

The book was due out in the UK on 15th October, having been pulled forward from its initial publication date of 30th October. US publisher Beaufort Book has said that it intends to proceed with publication on the 15th.

The Gibson Square offices in Lonsdale Square remain closed, and Rnyja has yet to speak to the media. Jessop said Rynja had no timeline for the decision. "Everyone is going to have to be patient," he said. "This requires some careful thinking."

Jessop said Rynja would be listening both to security forces, whose intelligence alerted them to the attack before it took place, and "people who might have an interest in the content of the book".
Jessop said: "They might throw some light on potential anxieties some people might have. He wants to get a rounded opinion."

UK booksellers spoken to by The Bookseller said they were still willing to stock the novel, and author Sherry Jones, and her agent Natasha Kern, have both suggested that the book will still be published in the UK.

Support is also gathering for Rynja. Simon Juden, chief executive of the UK Publishers Association, said: "Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right. The Publishers Association condemns all acts of violence and intimidation against publishers and writers."

Lisa Appignanesi, president of English PEN, said: "An open society in which people of all faiths and none can live side by side is underpinned by the freedom to publish, to write, to read and to think without fear of reprisal or intimidation. Martin Rynja’s publishing list is both broad and brave."

Martin Rynja Alan Jessop Compass Gibson Square Home Catherine Neilan Sherry Jones The Jewel of Medina

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