Bestselling American author Jodi Picoult has sparked a conversation on the importance of free speech after revealing that two of her books have been banned in school districts in some US states. Speaking at the Hay Festival, Picoult expressed her concerns about the impact of censorship on younger authors, LGBTQ writers, and people of color.
Picoult, known for her thought-provoking novels, shared that her books “My Sister’s Keeper” and “Nineteen Minutes” were affected by the bans. She highlighted the absurdity of the reasons behind the bans, such as the use of the term ‘erection’ in her book “Nineteen Minutes.”
Despite facing challenges with censorship, Picoult remains steadfast in her commitment to writing and exploring new ideas. She discussed her upcoming novel, “By Any Other Name,” which delves into the intriguing possibility that Shakespeare’s works may have been penned by a female writer, Emilia Bassano.
Picoult’s dedication to research and storytelling was evident as she shared insights into her writing process. She emphasized the importance of writing about topics that interest her and constantly challenging herself to explore new genres and themes.
As Picoult continues to push boundaries with her writing, she encourages readers to consider the impact of censorship on the literary world and the importance of preserving free speech. Her words serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the need to protect diverse voices in literature.
