Sherry Jones's The Jewel of Medina, the novel imaginary terrorists convinced Random House not to publish, is back on track for an English-language edition: British publisher Gibson Square will deliver the book to stores next month. Publisher Martin Rynja, describing himself as "completely bowled over by the novel and the moving love story it portrays," called Jones's book "an important barometer of our time":

"In an open society there has to be open access to literary works, regardless of fear," Rynja said in a press release. "As an independent publishing company, we feel strongly that we should not be afraid of the consequences of debate. If a novel of quality and skill that casts light on a beautiful subject we know too little of in the West, but have a genuine interest in, cannot be published here, it would truly mean that the clock has been turned back to the dark ages."

"I am thrilled by the opportunity to work with such a distinguished publishing house as Gibson Square," Jones emailed when asked about the new deal. "Martin Rynja has impressed me not only with his passion for The Jewel of Medina and its sequel, but also with his conviction that their themes of women's empowerment, peace, and reconciliation are important to the world dialogue today. Gibson Square is noted for its thought-provoking titles, and I feel honored to place my books among them." Such books from Gibson's backlist include House of Bush, House of Saud, which it acquired after Random House's UK division dropped the book because it had received credible warnings of potential attacks by Saudi libel lawyers.

Will an American publisher also step in to capitalize on the opportunity created by Random House's timidity? We shall see...