Flatiron Books, the publisher of the contentious migrant novel "American Dirt," has canceled its book tour with Jeanine Cummins.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Bob Miller, president and publisher of Flatiron Books, wrote: "[O]ur concerns about safety have led us to the difficult decision to cancel the book tour. Based on specific threats to booksellers and the author, we believe there exists real peril to their safety."
In response to the massive backlash that Cummins and her novel has sparked, the publishing group said it will be "organizing a series of town hall meetings, where Jeanine will be joined by some of the groups who have raised objections to the book. We believe that this provides an opportunity to come together and unearth difficult truths to help us move forward as a community."
Critics of "American Dirt" have accused the novel of being a harmful act of cultural appropriation, riddled with stereotypes about Mexico and the struggles of migrants.
