Author Pulls Debut Novel Following Backlash Over Russian Setting

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.