Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the best-selling memoir Eat, Pray, Love, has pulled her forthcoming novel from publication after Ukrainian readers expressed anger over its Russian setting. The book, titled The Snow Forest, was scheduled for release in February 2024.
The historical novel is set in Siberia and follows a family of religious fundamentalists who have lived in isolation for 44 years after retreating from the world in the 1930s. In the story, a scholar is sent to bridge the gap between their ancient life and modern existence when they are discovered by Soviet geologists in 1980.
In a video statement on Instagram, Gilbert said she had received “an enormous, massive outpouring of reactions and responses from my Ukrainian readers expressing anger, sorrow, disappointment and pain” about her decision to release a book set in Russia during the ongoing war. “I have heard these messages and read these messages and I respect them,” she said. “It is not the time for this book to be published.”
Gilbert added that she did not want to “add any harm to a group of people who have already experienced and who are all continuing to experience grievous and extreme harm”. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and the conflict continues. Several other authors, including Stephen King and Joe Abercrombie, have previously stated they will not renew book contracts in Russia due to the war.
