By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee and Niamh Parr
Acquisitions News
MCD Claims World Rights to Johnson’s Epic Novel
MCD has acquired The Wayfinder, the newest novel by award-winning writer Adam Johnson. Sean McDonald, publisher of MCD/FSG, acquired world rights from Warren Frazier at John Hawkins and Associates. Johnson won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2013 for his novel The Orphan Master’s Son, a twisting exploration of life in North Korea through the voices of multiple characters.
The Wayfinder, set in the southern Pacific Polynesian islands at the peak of the Tu’i Tonga Empire, promises to be just as steeped in the intricacies of culture and identity as Johnson’s previous work. The novel follows Kōrero, a young girl who is chosen for a great task: she must travel alone to the heart of the Tongan Empire to save her people from starvation and their island from desolation. With adventure of epic proportions and an in-depth exploration of history, the team at MCD have compared The Wayfinder to other historical masterpieces such as Wolf Hall and Shogun. The novel is set for publication in the autumn of 2025.
Dutton Swoons for McCollum’s Debut
Dutton has acquired the debut novel by romantasy author Alexandra McCollum. North American rights to The Midnight Cottage were bought by Charlotte Peters at Dutton from Peter Knapp at Park & Fine Literary and Media. The novel follows two roommates, David and Meredith, who could not be more different. David – an organised and career-driven accountant – finds Meredith completely infuriating. They live together at the edge of the Midnight Woods, an enchanted forest full of curious animals. However, something much more sinister is stirring in the woods: a creature that feeds off the despair of those who wander too far inside.
When an upcoming wedding brings the two roommates together – coupled with an unfortunate misadventure inside the Midnight Woods – David learns that much more lies beneath Meredith’s eccentric exterior than he ever realised and is forced to re-evaluate his feelings.
The Midnight Cottage is a queer, cosy romantasy about the need for true understanding and genuine human connections. An official date has not yet been set for publication.
From Book to Screen
What to Watch?
Harold and the Purple Crayon Classic Storybook Adaptation
A timeless children's classic book, Harold and the Purple Crayon, has been made into a film adaptation. Based on the 1950s storybook by Crockett Johnson, the story follows the adventures of Harold and his friends, Moose and Porcupine. With his magic purple crayon, Harold creates a fantastical world simply by drawing whatever he wants. Living in a fake world made up of drawings, Harold causes havoc and realises he may have gone too far.
The leading cast stars Zachary Levi and Zooey Deschanel, bringing this story to life and captivating all audiences from children to adults alike. The live-action and animation film is set to be released by Columbia Pictures through Sony Pictures and will show a mixture of comedic and imaginative moments paying tribute to the original storybook. Catch Harold and the Purple Crayon out now in cinemas.
Uglies is headed to Netflix
Uglies is set to get a screen adaptation on Netflix this autumn. The film will be based on the science fiction series by Scott Westerfield of the same name. Set in a dystopian society, the novels follow Tally Youngblood, as she is about to undertake the normalised operation that will beautify her on her sixteenth birthday. However, after her new friend disappears, the authorities order Tally to discover her friend’s whereabouts or never be allowed her surgery.
Tally is headed on a journey that may make her question what is means to be beautiful. Joey King as Tally Youngblood will lead the screen adaptation, and will also include Chase Stokes, Keith Powers, Brianne Tju, Laverne Cox and Kevin Miles. Scott Westerfield is involved with the project as an executive producer. There are four books in the Uglies series, it is unknown whether this adaptation will only focus on the first novel or include more from the series. Uglies will be available to stream on Netflix from the 13 September 2024. The trailer for Uglies is available to watch on YouTube now.
Comments