Overview
- Elizabeth Gilbert cancelled the release of her novel "The Snow Forest" after receiving criticism from readers angered by the book's setting in Soviet Russia.
- The historical fiction novel was set to be published in February 2024 but will now be postponed indefinitely.
- Gilbert received hundreds of angry messages and poor reviews from readers, particularly Ukrainians, who felt the novel romanticized Russia's history of oppression.
- While some praised Gilbert's sensitivity, others worried the decision set a dangerous precedent for censoring fiction.
- Gilbert apologized for the pain caused and promised to refund any preorders, but she left open the possibility of publishing the book in the future.