By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee and Niamh Parr
Acquisitions News
Nadiya Hussain’s Latest Cookbook Unveiled by Michael Joseph
Penguin’s Michael Joseph has acquired the newest recipe collection by bestselling cookbook author and presenter Nadiya Hussain, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2015. World All Language rights were acquired by Ione Walder, Non-Fiction Publisher at Michael Joseph, from Anne Kibel at AK Artist Management. Rooza is filled with recipes dedicated to Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and includes a variety of main meal options, dessert ideas, and festive dishes for Eid. The book guides the reader through specialities from across the Islamic world, featuring dishes inspired by the cuisines of countries from Bangladesh to Indonesia and Tunisia. Set for publication on 16 January 2025, Rooza will mark Hussain’s tenth book with Penguin.
Orbit Pre-empts Tamaki’s Debut Fantasy
Orbit, the science fiction and fantasy imprint of Little Brown Book Group, has acquired A.S. Tamaki’s debut novel, The Book of Fallen Leaves, for UK and US publication. John Baker of Bell Lomax Moreton Agency managed the deal, with Senior Commissioning Editor James Long taking UK rights and Senior Editor Bradley Englert securing North American rights. The Book of Fallen Leaves is a retelling of the 900-year-old Japanese samurai epic The Tale of the Heike, which chronicles the power struggle between two warring clans for control of Japan at the end of the twelfth century. Tamaki’s version follows two unlikely friends; a servant and a warrior clan heir, as they navigate the turmoil of the civil war, from grisly violence to political conspiracies, across a legendary land riddled with gods and monsters. The Book of Fallen Leaves is slated for publication in April 2026.
French Bestseller Acquired at Auction
Philippe Collin’s debut novel The Barman of the Ritz (Le Barman du Ritz), a bestseller in France where the original French was published in April 2024, has been acquired by Marysue Rucci, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for publication in the US. The deal was managed by Susanna Lea of Susanna Lea Associates, and North American rights were bought at auction by Marysue Rucci and Emma Taussig for Rucci’s imprint. Joint North American rights were acquired for Canadian publication by Nicole Winstanley of S&S Canada. In the UK, Doubleday will publish the Barman of the Ritz.
Based on a true story, the novel follows a Jewish barman, Frank Meier, working at the Ritz Hotel in forties Paris when the spot suddenly becomes a favourite of the Nazis. To keep himself and his loved ones alive, Frank must not only keep his true self hidden, but also uncover the pivotal secrets of those that frequent his bar. The novel is set for publication in Spring 2026.
From Book to Screen; In the Works
The Wild Robot Is Coming to Cinemas
Dreamworks is bringing The Wild Robot to screens this autumn. The animated film adaptation is based on the science fiction novel of the same name by bestselling author Peter Brown. The narrative follows Roz, a robot, who must depend on her instincts to survive when she finds herself on a deserted island. Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill and Catherine O’Hara are the stars set to bring this novel to life. The screenplay, written and directed by Chris Sanders, who co-wrote and co-directed Lilo & Stitch with Dean DeBlois, who is an Executive Producer on this project. The Wild Robot will be available to watch in cinemas from the 27 September in the USA, and the 18 October 2024 in the UK.
Nightbitch Movie Adaptation
The recent premiere of Nightbitch at the Toronto International Film Festival sparked interest, with recent reviews gathering a 64% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on Rachel Yoder’s book of the same name, Nightbitch tells a strange story of a stay-at-home mum who suspects she is starting to transform into a dog with her odd habits and changes. The blend of darkness, humour, and psychological elements is set to be an interesting narrative for viewers. Directed by Marielle Heller, known for her creation of the Netflix series, The Queen’s Gambit. Heller is set to highlight her directorial skills in this upcoming release, with Searchlight Pictures distributing the film. Amy Adams will star in this adaption alongside, Scoot McNairy, Zoe Chao, Mary Holland, Kerry O'Malley and Ella Thomas. So far there is no official UK release, but Nightbitch is set to premiere on 6 December 2024 in the USA.
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