By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee, Emma Leask, Molly Pearce and Niamh Parr
Acquisition News
Usborne Acquires Muslim Rom-Com Collaboration from Two Celebrated YA Authors
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídè, author of Ace of Spades, and Adiba Jaigirdar, author of The Henna Wars and Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating, have collaborated on a new YA novel which is set to be published by Usborne. UK and Commonwealth rights were acquired to Four Eids and a Funeral, as well as an as-of-yet untitled rom-com to come in the future. The book follows Said Hossain and Tiwa Olatunji, who were previously best friends, but have since grown apart after an incident that took place during Eid a few years ago. The pair are brought back together after the Islamic Centre in their town burns down, as they work together to bring it back for the community. Currently expected for publication in January 2024, this collaboration between two celebrated YA authors is guaranteed to be a heart-warming, uplifting tale of friendship and identity that we can’t wait to read.
Gregory Documents History of Women in Britain in New Feminist Non-Fiction
HarperVia has snatched up the world rights to best-selling historical novelist Philippa Gregory’s new non-fiction work Normal Women, in which Gregory recounts British history with a focus on the significant roles of so-called ordinary women across society and culture. Drawing on a plethora of primary and secondary resources, Gregory’s work extends across a wide history, from the 11th century creation of the Bayeux tapestry to the 20th century ordination of women by the Church of England. She brings women from all walks of society into the limelight – highwaywomen, pirates, miners, ship owners, international traders, etc. – and even highlights the lesser-discussed professional relationships of women to male figures as prominent as Shakespeare. The original agreement was conducted in the UK, where Arabella Pike at HarperCollins UK imprint William Collins acquired the book. Normal Women will be available in the UK from October 2023 and in the U.S. from February 2024.
From Book to Screen
What to Watch?
Tiny Beautiful Things Coming to Hulu and Disney+
Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling book based on the collection of Strayed’s essays complied from her role as an advice columnist is set to be adapted into an eight episode limited series. Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern are confirmed to be executive producers for this production, with Kathryn Hahn announced as the main lead Clare. The adaptation of Tiny Beautiful Things follows Clare (Hahn), a writer who suddenly lands a role as an anonymous advice columnist called “Dear Sugar” where she shares all her advice and help. But not all is great as she deals with her own struggles in life. The series will explore more of Clare’s life experiences from childhood to the present day. Keep an eye out as this series will be released on 07 April 2023 on Hulu for American viewers and Disney+ for international audiences.
Renfield Coming to Cinemas This April
Modernising the characters from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, Renfield shifts the focus of this gothic horror classic to Count Dracula’s servant, Renfield. Robert Kirkman’s pitch and Ryan Ridley’s resultant screenplay sees Dracula and Renfield in New Orleans. After devoting his life to his master for centuries, Renfield decides to take back his own, normal life with the help of his toxic-relationship support group. However, the Count won’t let him get away without a fight. Nicholas Hoult plays the titular role and is joined by the likes of Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz and Adrian Martinez in this star-studded cast. Renfield will be available to watch in cinemas from 14 April 2023.
In the Works
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight Coming to Netflix
Jennifer E. Smith’s beloved 2013 romance novel The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight will be adapted into a film directed by Vanessa Caswill and produced by the same group responsible for the To All the Boys franchise. The film follows strangers Oliver and Hadley who unexpectedly meet on a flight from New York to London and are instantly drawn to one another. They lose touch once arriving in London, but life’s plan does not keep them apart for long. This heart-warming romance stars Haley Lu Richardson (Five Feet Apart) and Ben Hardy (Bohemian Rhapsody), alongside appearances from Rob Delaney, Dexter Fletcher and Sally Phillips. This exciting adaptation continues Netflix’s collaboration with ACE Entertainment. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is expected to appear on Netflix in September 2023 and we cannot wait to watch it.