Writers Uncomfortable with Charlie Hebdo Honor Withdraw from PEN Gala

Six member novelists have chosen to bow out of May 5 New York event.

When the PEN American Center presents its Freedom of Expression Courage Award to Charlie Hebdo on May 5 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, at least six host organization members will by choice not be present. Per a report Sunday in the New York Times, novelists Peter Carey, Michael Ondaatje, Francine Prose, Teju Cole, Rachel Kushner and Taiye Selasi have withdrawn from the gala in protest:

Mr. Carey, in an email interview Saturday, said the award stepped beyond the group’s traditional role of protecting freedom of expression against government oppression.

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