Mick Hartley

That Aisha novel which Random House dropped in the US for fear of Muslim protests is to be published here:

A novel about the Prophet Mohammed and his child bride, which has already caused controversy in the United States and Serbia, will be released in Britain next month, its publisher said Wednesday.

Publishing house Gibson Square, known for having sold other controversial books, such as Alexander Litvinenko's "Blowing Up Russia", said it was "imperative" that "The Jewel of Medina" by American author Sherry Jones be available to the public.

Random House announced last month that it had cancelled publication of the book — a fictional account of the Prophet's relationship with his youngest bride Aisha — in the United States, saying it had been informed by credible sources that the book could incite violence.

The book was also released in Serbia last month, but was withdrawn after protests from the local Muslim community.

Martin Rynja, publishing director at Gibson Square, said, however, that in "an open society there has to be open access to literary works, regardless of fear."

"As an independent publishing company, we feel strongly that we should not be afraid of the consequences of debate," he added.

Which is all very laudable, but somehow I don't think I'll be buying a copy.