Last week, Elizabeth Gilbert, the acclaimed American author, shared exciting news with her devoted fans. In her customary style, she addressed them as “Dear Ones” and announced her latest novel, titled “The Snow Forest.” This novel tells the miraculous story of a Russian family who lived in seclusion in the Siberian wilderness for fifty years before being discovered by Soviet geologists in 1978.
However, a week later, Gilbert made an unexpected announcement. She stated that she would be removing the book from its publication schedule in response to the overwhelming backlash from her Ukrainian readers. Many of them expressed anger, sorrow, disappointment, and pain about releasing a book set in Russia, regardless of its subject matter, given the current geopolitical climate.
Some critics viewed Gilbert’s decision as self-censorship, a victory for online trolls and cancel culture. Suzanne Nossel, the chief executive of PEN America, acknowledges that online criticism can be overwhelming and intimidating. However, she emphasizes the importance of authors tackling difficult subjects and addressing countries that engage in troubling actions. She warns against a society that lacks diverse ideas.
Others saw Gilbert’s decision as a courageous statement by an influential author who was willing to sacrifice her own art for a higher principle. Sasha Dovzhyk, a curator at the Ukrainian Institute London, believed that the book would contribute to the romanticization of Russia during a time when the country’s culture and people were facing cruelty and barbarity. Uilleam Blacker, an associate professor in Ukrainian and East European Culture, saw Gilbert’s decision as a reflection of respect for others and choosing the right timing to convey one’s message.
Although Gilbert’s withdrawal of “The Snow Forest” might be seen as a knee-jerk reaction to online criticism, her success has largely been predicated on her close relationship with her online audience and a philosophy that embraces living authentically. As she once wrote, “Once you see the truth, you cannot un-see it.”
Elizabeth Gilbert was born in 1969 and grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Connecticut. She developed an early passion for writing and went on to work as a journalist for prominent publications such as The New York Times Magazine and GQ. Her literary career began with the publication of her short-story collection called “Pilgrims” in 1997, followed by the novel “Stern Men” in 2000. Her book “The Last American Man” was a finalist for the National Book Award.
After going through a divorce in her thirties, Gilbert received a substantial advance to chronicle her spiritual journey in “Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia” (2006). The book became a global sensation, translated into multiple languages and selling over 12 million copies. It was later adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts. The success of the memoir was attributed to its hopeful sentiment and modern self-help message, presenting a resilient heroine who found happiness despite life’s challenges.
Following the overwhelming response to “Eat, Pray, Love,” Gilbert published another memoir titled “Committed: A Sceptic Makes Peace with Marriage.” However, the demands of her fans took a toll on her. She described how she was being asked for advice on everything from personal problems to travel recommendations.
In 2016, Gilbert made headlines by publicly announcing her separation from her husband after falling in love with her best friend, Rayya Elias, who was battling cancer. She emphasized her commitment to living honestly and transparently, prioritizing her truth over privacy, publicity, or others’ approval.
Gilbert’s decision to postpone the publication of her latest book has sparked a debate about the influence of social media on the publishing industry and the relationship between art and geopolitics. Similar controversies have arisen, such as when Ukraine’s minister of culture called for a pause in performances of Tchaikovsky’s works due to the Russian invasion. The question of when, or if, “The Snow Forest” will be published raises new considerations.
While it remains unclear whether Gilbert’s decision highlights the dangers of online culture or demonstrates her savvy marketing instincts, it is undeniable that she has cultivated a persona as an advice-giver, empathetic friend, and relatable figure. Letting go of this role and the devoted following it entails might prove challenging for her.
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