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Mohammad wife novel released early in US

A controversial novel about the Prophet Mohammad's child bride was rushed to US stores yesterday, nine days ahead of schedule, after the office of the book's British publisher was attacked.

Beaufort Books picked up "The Jewel of Medina" by journalist Sherry Jones after it was dropped by Random House in May because of concerns it could incite violence.

Beaufort said it sent out an initial print run of 40,000 copies.

The novel traces the life of the child bride, Aisha, from her engagement to Mohammad at age 6, until the prophet's death.

The headquarters of the book's British publisher, Gibson Square Books, was set on fire on 27 September. No one was injured, but the publication date was suspended. British police arrested three men on suspicion of terrorism.

Read entire article at Independent (UK)