Latest Acquisitions & Adaptations

By Alice Warburton, Georgie Cutler and Eva Lee

Acquisition News

Cressida Cowell Announces New Series with Hachette Children’s

A new series has been announced from the best-selling author of How to Train Your Dragon, and current Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell. Titled Which Way to Anywhere, it is being described as a “heartfelt, funny, action-packed story” that will “resonate with children globally” (Alltimes, The Bookseller). World rights were acquired from David Higham Associates by senior trade publisher, Ruth Alltimes. The book is set to be published 15 September this year.

Arabian Nights Inspired Debut Goes to John Murray

Jamila Ahmed’s debut novel has been pre-empted by publisher John Murray. Said to be inspired by the classic collection The Arabian Nights, this novel will follow protagonist Shaherazade, who tells the secret that the King has a lover; mad with rage, he marries and kills a new bride every night. Shaherazade volunteers to be the King’s next wife but has to use her cunning to survive. British Commonwealth rights were acquired from Susanna Lea Associates for hardback, e-book and audio by Abigail Scruby. Every Rising Sun will be published July 2023.

New Bono Memoir is Snapped up by Penguin Random House

U2’s iconic frontman Bono is releasing a “fearless” memoir with Penguin Random House later this year, along with a self-narrated audiobook. Being published in fifteen territories, Hutchinson Heinemann will publish it in the UK, and Knopf will publish it in Ireland. Reagan Arthur, Bono’s editor, confirmed that “Seven years ago…the late Knopf editor Sonny Mehta acquired the book” meaning it has been in production for some time. Bono himself summaries the book as “the story of one pilgrim’s lack of progress…with a fair amount of fun along the way.” His memoir Surrender will release 1 November this year.

From Book to Screen, What to Watch?

Clark Comes to Netflix

Inspired by the bank robbery which resulted in the phrase ‘Stockholm Syndrome’, Clark tells the story of Sweden's first celebrity criminal, Clark Olofsson. It is based on the “truths and lies” found in Olofsson’s autobiography. Olofsson rose to fame in Sweden in the sixties and seventies. He is most famous for being involved in the failed bank robbery at Stockholm’s Norrmalstorg Square in 1973. The six part series was directed by Jonas Åkerlund and follows the action-packed life of the charismatic titular character, played by Bill Skarsgård. It features a brilliant cast, with the likes of: Adam Lundgren, Vilhelm Blomgren, Hanna Björn and Björn Gustafsson. Clark is available to watch on Netflix now.

Firestarter in cinemas

Stephen King’s 1980 novel has been adapted again for the big screen. The 2022 film is a reboot of the 1984 adaptation of the same name. It is directed by Keith Thomas – who previously directed The Vigil – from a screenplay written by Scott Teems. The story revolves around a couple, Andy and Vicky, who met as subjects of a secret experiment. They are on the run from a federal agency to hide their daughter. Meanwhile, Charlie, their daughter, is learning to control her pyrokinetic powers. Zac Efron, Sydney Lemmon and Ryan Kiera Armstrong lead in this science fiction horror film. Firestarter is available to watch in cinemas from 13 March 2022.

Life After Life on BBC2

BBC2 has picked up Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life in a new four-part series. Based on the novel of the same name, it follows the story of Ursula Todd. Born in the year 1910, Todd is reincarnated over and over again and navigates through life in the midst of the world wars. But now, with the knowledge and experiences gained through this effect, she attempts to change her fate. The cast features new actress Thomasin McKenzie as Ursula Todd alongside Sian Clifford, Jessica Brown Findlay, James Mcardle and Jessica Hynes. All episodes are now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

In The Works

The Governesses Coming Soon

Anne Serre’s novel The Governesses is set to get a film adaption with Director Joe Talbot and Olivia Gatwood in charge of the production. The story will follow three young governesses who have the duty of educating a group of boys in their care, but instead spend their time in a frenzied state of lust and desire beyond their imaginations. Lily-Rose Depp, Jung Hoyeon and Renate Reinsve are set to be the leading ladies for the film with no further information on other castings. So far there is no announced air date, with a hope to air sometime soon.