Rights round up
Jocasta Hamilton at Sceptre has bought world rights in two books by 29-year-old debut novelist Natasha Solomons (represented by Stan). “A completely charming, feel-good novel starring the irrepressible Jack”, MR ROSENBLUM’S LIST will appeal to those who loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Set in Britain in the early 1950s, the novel concerns Jack and his wife Sadie, German Jews who were evacuated before the war. While Sadie yearns for home, Jack is determined to assimilate by becoming Very British. However, in his quest to be the perfect British Gentleman there is one thing that remains out of reach. No golf club will allow him to become a member… The story is partly inspired by the author’s grandparents. Little, Brown has US rights and Italian have been pre-empted by Sperling & Knupfer.
Maxine Hitchcock at Avon has bought UK/Commonwealth in two historical novels by Sara Sheridan. THE SECRET MANDARIN is a sweeping tale of drama, passion and espionage set in China at the time of the Opium Wars. The adventure is based on the historical figure of Scottish plant collector Robert Fortune. Disgraced actress Mary Penney is forced to accompany her brother-in-law on his dangerous mission to China - outwardly a botanical expedition but Robert is also working as a spy for the East India Company. Robert and Mary disguise themselves as a mandarin and man-servant, and Mary’s eyes are opened by the journey- she learns about plants, becomes fluent in Cantonese, empathises with the plight of Chinese peasants, and revels in the freedom afforded by her male identity. As the voyage continues into remote territory, so Robert and Mary’s relationship changes from antipathy to respect, and from friendship to love. Maxine Hitchcock commented ‘Sara is a talented writer, conjuring up another time and place very richly indeed, and we are convinced we can establish her as a rising star of the historical fiction genre.’ Avon will publish in October 2009.
Bob McDevitt of Hachette Scotland has acquired a second book by leading food writer Sue Lawrence. Following on from TASTE YE BACK (pub August 2009), EATING IN SCOTLAND will reflect the return to home cooking with easy recipes in keeping with today’s focus on informality when having friends or family round to eat. Showcasing the best of Scottish ingredients, the book contains ideas for get-togethers from Hogmanay buffet suppers to cooking for a weekend away in the Highlands. Hachette Scotland will publish in August 2010.
Posted on Mar 11, 2009 - 01:22 PM