Politics | 10/02/2008 1:50 pm
Release of Novel About Islam Postponed After Publisher's House Set on Fire

The book that was held back from publication by Random House in the U.S. (amid assumptions that if published, it would ignite Muslim extremists to react with violence) now might not be published in London, either.
The controversial novel Jewel of Medina, about the relationship between Prophet Mohammad and A’isha, his youngest bride, was "imperative" to publish, said one London-based publishing director. Now, the publisher is reportedly rethinking his stance after his home office was set on fire early Sunday. Publishing director Martin Rynja’s house, which also serves as Gibson Square’s headquarters, in North London, was set on fire early Saturday morning. There is speculation that the blaze was connected with the upcoming release of Sherry Jones’s controversial novel.
wowOwow orignally reported that Rynja wasn’t backing down after the threat. However, today, UK’s The Mail reports that his plans are now "in suspended animation." Alan Jessop of Compass, the publisher’s sales representative, said to The Mail that Rynja is reflecting and taking advice on what the "best foot forward is."























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