"Attack on Publisher's House May Be Linked to Book About Muhammad and Wife"

In this article is an occurrence of the publication of a book, that to some could come across as being offensive. When I say offensive, I mean that it takes certain figures of a Religion and uses them as characters in the novel. “The Jewel of Medina” was originally going to be published by Ballantine Books, but after canceling the publication, it was bought by Beaufort Books. Martin Rynja of Gibson Square’s Publishing says that it is necessary to publish this book. Martin quotes “In an open society there has to be open access to literary works, regardless of fear”. Mr. Rynja had his Northern London estate, which shared property with Gibson Square’s Headquarters, was set on fire early Saturday morning. Shortly after, three men were arrested due to suspicion of terrorism. The police were also able to arrest one more person, and she was charged with “obstructing police.” The fire was caused by a small fire bomb that was placed through the mail slot of the estate. Shortly after, firefighters arrived on the scene to seize the fire which caused little damage. They say this book has created a similar outcome to the events following the publication of “The Satanic Verses”, in 1988. The book is structured around the Prophet Muhammad and A’isha. To some followers of the Muslim Religion, believe that the book goes against their Religion and that it is not a topic to write fictionally about. The book tells how the two struggle through obstacles to reach their full potential. To me the book seems in no way to poke fun at the Muslim Religion, but rather tell an epic story. Thomas Perry says he believes that the publication of this book “could incite acts of violence by a small, radical section.” Denise Spellberg, who edits a Muslim web site, also offered graphic descriptions of how the novel was not proper and portrayed harmful material, both of which the novel was not intended. The President of Beaufort books, Eric M. Kampmann, says that the book has already been shipped out, although precautions have been set forth. Ms. Jones, the author of the novel, states something very passionate about freedom of speech: “I don’t spend my time worrying about how I’m going to die, but how I am going to live.” She further states, “I think a life where you can’t express yourself and you can’t speak is a life worse than death.” In other words, she believes very strongly that one can express their freedom of speech no matter what religion it is portrayed through. The novel is about a Religion but in no way does she portray it in a negative way. Just because somebody uses a Religious figure in a fictional novel, does not mean that she is speaking badly of the Religion. The people that are being affected by the novel are those that are Muslim Religion extremists and they believe strongly in their Religion. Overall, I believe the novel should be published free of worry due to the fact that in America we have freedom of speech no matter what the subject is.

Article By: Sarah Lyall
Published in Monday September 29th Edition of NY Times