Elizabeth Gilbert, author of 'Eat, Pray, Love', has withdrawn her forthcoming novel 'The Snow Forest' from publication after Ukrainian readers expressed anger and pain over its Russian setting. The book, a historical novel set in Siberia, follows a family of religious fundamentalists living in isolation since the 1930s.
Gilbert announced the decision in a video on Instagram, stating she had received an 'enormous, massive outpouring' of reactions from Ukrainian readers. She said she respected their messages and that 'it is not the time for this book to be published'.
The author had only announced the book's release for February 2024 last week. She added that she would turn her attention to other projects. The decision comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's invasion in 2022.
Other authors, including Stephen King and Joe Abercrombie, have previously said they will not renew book contracts in Russia due to the conflict. Literary agents noted that some authors felt it was wrong to accept Russian money while the war continues.
