We've heard of bookshops influencing cover choice before, but we're less used to hearing about authors altering the content of their readings in order to appease twitchy bookshop owners. Yet that's what happened to bestselling author Jennifer Weiner on her US book tour this month.
Two days after updating her Twitter account with the message: "Had the most amazing Philadelphia reading. And by 'amazing' I mean 'potty-mouthed.' I think this is officially my tour of dirty words." Weiner received what she called "a sternly worded email" from a book store in Framingham, Massachusetts that requested her upcoming reading there be curse-free.
But why? While Weiner is no Erica Jong or Irvine Welsh, her books do contain sex and swearing and her audience, mostly women, is likely to be aware of this (and unlikely to be offended by her propensity for using the word "cock" in conversation).
So maybe it's the owner or manager of the bookshop who has a problem with swearing. I don't know why exactly (especially as it's proven to be good for you) but I really hope this isn't another example of the tired cliche that good girls don't (swear/ have sex/ get drunk or cause controversy, that is).
Whatever the reason, is it fair that an author be gagged by a book shop in this way, for simple reasons of prudery? Does whoever pays the rent have the right to dictate what an author can say, beyond ensuring that they stay within the limits of the law? That seems overly censorious, especially considering that a visit by a major author will likely send trade through the roof. Or does this simply boil down to trying not to alienate an audience? Just as (most) authors don't turn up to readings drunk and unkempt, maybe they shouldn't swear or say anything too controversial, either. Or maybe certain Massachusetts book stores need to lighten up.
As unimpressed as Weiner may have been by this particular store's edict, she did comply with their wishes. But thanks to her loyal readers, she still had the last laugh. Many of the women who attended her reading requested that she add a little something when she signed their books: a swear word or two, since they missed out on hearing her say any. Proclaimed Weiner via Twitter: "I love my Boston-area readers. Especially the ones who asked for curse words in the inscriptions. You bitches rule!" Three days later, she got a call from her publisher letting her know that her new book, Best Friends Forever had hit the number one spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. Weiner apparently screamed "No fucking way!" into her mouthpiece. Nice try, Framingham, but it looks like your censorship didn't stick.
