Latest Acquisitions & Adaptations
By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee and Emma Leask
Acquisition News
Bake Off star’s cookbook to be published by Kyle Books
Crystelle Pereira, a finalist on The Great British Bake Off Series 12 (2021), will be publishing her first cookbook Flavour Kitchen with Kyle Books. Stated to be containing “vibrant recipes with creative twists,” Pereira will be delving into her favourite recipes and adding in her own flavourful flairs to bring readers exciting new recipes that they can easily recreate at home. Pereira hopes that, in creating this cookbook, she can help readers be more adventurous with their flavours, something she was renowned for during her time on Bake Off. The book is expected to be published on 25 May 2023 and is one for any aspiring or established chef looking to elevate the flavours of their dishes.
Virago acquires Walter’s emotional memoir
Natasha Walter, writer and activist, will be publishing her memoir Before the Light Fades with Virago. Currently expected to be released August 2023, it is described as a memoir of “grief and resistance,” meaning readers can expect it to be an incredibly powerful and eye-opening read. As the founder of Women for Refugee Women and someone active in numerous social justice and rights campaigns, the memoir will detail the impactful work done by Walter and the lessons she has learnt. Walter has two other non-fiction books, The New Feminism and Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism, as well as a novel called A Quiet Life. Her upcoming project is bound to be an unforgettable book chronicling Walter’s impressive achievements and we eagerly anticipate its publication.
From Book to Screen: What to watch?
The Peripheral on Amazon Prime
The new sci-fi series based on the novel of the same name by William Gibson is now available on Amazon Prime TV. The first season will consist of eight episodes, with the main cast starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Gary Carr, Jack Reynor, Charlotte Riley, JJ Field, Julian Moore-Cook and Katie Leung and many more appearing in the upcoming seasons. Created and produced by Scott Smith, the main story is set in the rural future of 2032, where pro-gamer Flynne Fisher (Moretz) and her brother Burton (Reynor) play a dark VR game, soon discovering a secret connection between the alternate reality and the dark future ahead. As danger faces them and their town, they must fight their way through the simulation and find an escape.
Horror Novel The Cabin at the End of the World Adaptation
The long awaited psychological horror novel by Paul G. Tremblay, released in 2018, is set to have a film adaptation with the title Knock at the Cabin. The project has been in the works for a few years without much information available until the recent announcement of its upcoming release. Filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan will be Director and Producer, and the film is set to star Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Rupert Grint, Ben Aldridge and Nikki Amuka-Bird. The story follows a family of three on holiday at a remote cabin, where four strangers claim the end of the world is approaching and request their help. The gripping and apocalyptic story will be a treat for horror fans and we look forward to seeing how the adaptation will portray the events of novel. Keep an eye out as Knock at the Cabin will be released by Universal Pictures on 3 February 2023.
In the Works
Shuggie Bain to be adapted into a TV series
The much-loved, Booker Prize-winning novel by Scottish author Douglas Stuart, Shuggie Bain, is set to be adapted into a TV series. Adapted by US company A24, it will be aired on BBC One and iPlayer following its production in Scotland. The story follows Agnes Bain and the breakdown of her marriage, leading to her suffering with alcoholism. Her son Shuggie is the only one of her children to stay and help her cope during the difficult time. Stuart has commented that the novel is inspired by similar events during his own childhood, accounting for the raw emotion his work has been praised for. Stuart will be working on the TV adaptation, commenting that he is excited to “expand on” his novel, honing in on the struggles suffered by the characters, but also the love between family at the heart of the story (BBC News). Just like the book, the TV series is sure to be a heart-wrenching, yet uplifting, story that fans of the novel and new fans alike will enjoy.
A Little Life West End debut
Hanya Yanagihara’s celebrated emotional novel is being adapted for the stage by Ivo van Hove at the Harold Pinter theatre in London. The play will follow four university friends – played by James Norton, Omari Douglas, Luke Thompson and Zach Wyatt – and will explore the complex relationships between them as they mature and find success. The show will run from 25 March to 18 June 2023.