Disputed novel finds publishers

Publishers in 10 countries have bought the rights to a novel about the Prophet Muhammad’s child bride after a U.S. publisher dropped the book, fearing it could incite violence, the author’s agent says.

Random House had been due to publish “The Jewel of Medina,” a first novel by journalist Sherry Jones, on Aug. 12. But the company pulled out, saying it had received “cautionary advice not only that the publication of this book might be offensive to some in the Muslim community, but also that it could incite acts of violence by a small, radical segment.”

Deals have now been reached with another U.S. publisher as well as publishers in Britain and other countries, agent Natasha Kern said. Jones said the name of the U.S. firm would be announced next week.