Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert delays new novel set in Russia after criticism from Ukrainians

The author of the hit novel Eat, Pray, Love has announced she is delaying publication of her latest book following criticism from Ukrainian readers as it is set in Russia.

Elizabeth Gilbert announced details of The Snow Forest, based on the discovery of a family living completely isolated in the Siberian wilderness in 1978, earlier in June, with publication set for February 2024.

The move was criticised as “tone deaf” by some of her one million followers on Instagram, while others noted the release date would coincide with the second anniversary of Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine.

Gilbert has now announced a “course correction” after receiving “an enormous” reaction from Ukrainian readers, saying now is “not the time” to release the story.

In a video statement shared on social media, the US author said: “Over the course of this weekend, I have received an enormous, massive outpouring of reactions and responses from my Ukrainian readers, expressing anger, sorrow, disappointment and pain about the fact that I would choose to release a book into the world right now – any book, no matter what the subject of it is – that is set in Russia.”

Gilbert told fans she respected all the messages sent to her.

“As a result, I am making a course correction and I am removing the book from its publication schedule,” she said.

“It is not the time for this book to be published, and I do not want to add any harm to a group of people who have already experienced and who are continuing to experience grievous and extreme harm.”

The author, whose 2006 memoir Eat, Pray, Love was turned into the hit 2010 film starring Julia Roberts, said she had decided to work on other book projects instead.

She did not say if or when she might release The Snow Forest at a later date.