Publisher cancels "Sparrow and Vine" over criticism

The publisher Bloom Books has canceled the release of "Sparrow and Vine," a romance novel by Sophie Lark, after early readers criticized its content. The book was set to be published in April. Critics highlighted passages they deemed racist and problematic, including remarks about undocumented laborers and praise for Elon Musk. The backlash grew on social media as readers shared excerpts and negative reviews. As a result of the criticism, Bloom Books announced it will no longer publish the novel or the planned series.