HC Rushing Bhutto's Forthcoming Book

By Rachel Deahl -- Publishers Weekly, 12/27/2007 3:10:00 PM

HarperCollins is rushing its planned book by former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated today at a rally in Pakistan. The world leader, known as "the first daughter of Pakistan," just finished the book. According to agent Andrew Wylie, who brokered the deal, the manuscript was "completed only a week ago."

Ironically, and perhaps ominously, titled Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West, the book was originally set for Spring but will now be published "as soon as possible," said editor Tim Duggan. In describing the book, Duggan said it details "[Bhutto's] vision for how to bridge the political and cultural gap between the Islamic world, which is becoming increasingly radicalized, and the West." Adding that the publisher's "thoughts and prayers are with the Bhutto family," Duggan said HarperCollins does not yet have a firm release date for the title.