Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the bestseller Eat, Pray, Love, has canceled the publication of her upcoming book because it is set in Russia.
The Snow Forest, a novel that was slated for a February 2024 release, was set in Siberia in the middle of the last century and told the story of a group of individuals who removed themselves from society to resist the Soviet government and try to defend nature against industrialization. However, after hearing from Ukrainians that were upset about the book, Gilbert decided to turn to other projects and put The Snow Forest on indefinite hold.
“I have received an enormous, massive outpouring of reactions and responses from my Ukrainian readers expressing anger, sorrow, disappointment, and pain about the fact that I would choose to release a book into the world right now — any book no matter what the subject of it is — that is set in Russia,” Gilbert said in a video announcement. “As a result, I am making a course correction and I am removing the book from its publication schedule.”
Important announcement about THE SNOW FOREST. Please note that if you were charged for your pre-order, you will be fully refunded. Thank you so much. pic.twitter.com/OAEmrjtfJx
— Elizabeth Gilbert (@GilbertLiz) June 12, 2023
Since the Russian invasion was launched last year, Ukrainians have endured killings, war crimes, and massive damage to their cities and the environment.
In the West, there have been efforts to deplatform Russians and instead give platform to Ukrainians — efforts which have not always succeeded. Many have called for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be blocked from competing in international sporting competitions.
Last month, Masha Gessen, the Russian-American New Yorker writer, resigned from the board of PEN America after the nonprofit canceled a panel Gessen was set to moderate with two Russian dissidents. The organization was acting in response to complaints from two Ukrainian writers, who were set to participate in a separate panel hosted by the nonprofit.
Gilbert’s decision has reopened this debate. Some have pointed out the irony of pulling a book about resisting the Soviet government when the Ukrainians are in a similar position, resisting Russia.
“It is not the time for this book to be published. I do not want to add any harm to a group of people who have already experienced and who are continuing to experience grievous and extreme harm,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert said that anyone who has pre-ordered the book will be refunded.