American's Debut Hits Sweden
Dark Chapter, the debut novel by Winnie M Li—a Taiwanese-American who went to Harvard, lives in London, and is represented by the Pontas Literary & Film Agency in Barcelona—sold to Norstedts in Sweden. The book was written in English and English language deals for it are pending; in Sweden the title has been set for a spring 2017 release. The novel follows a tourist named Vivian who, while traveling in West Belfast, is raped. After she reports the crime, the perpetrator flees while she struggles to rebuild her life. Gunilla Sondell at Norstedts said Dark Chapter features a strong narrative and restrained tone that "gives the reader plenty of space to consider what's really taking place."
Dutch Novel Sells in France
The debut novel Malva, by Dutch poet Hagar Peeters, has sold to French house Actes Sud in a preempt. The book is about the daughter of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who was born with hydrocephalus and disowned by her famous father. She was sent to live with a foster family in the Netherlands and died at the age of eight. Dutch publisher De Bezige Bij, which released the book in September, controls all rights.
Danish Thriller Gains Traction
The Danish novel Fatal Crossing by Lone Theils, which we recently reported on, has now sold in five new territories The 1980's-set thriller, which is represented by Sweden's Nordin Agency, is about a correspondent for a Danish newspaper who investigates the disappearance of two girls. New publishers include Hayakawa in Japan and Eksmo in Russia, as well as houses in Estonia, Slovakia, and The Czech Republic. The author lives in London and is a correspondent for the Danish newspaper Politiken.
Brazilian Novel Draws European Bidders
The novel Amazing! by Maurício Gomyde, which was published by Brazilian house Intrinseca in September, was recently sold to Garzanti in Italy and Presença in Portugal. The deals were handled by Ella Sher of The Ella Sher Literary Agency, who is handling rights in Spain, Latin America, and Israel. All other rights are controlled by Villas Boas & Moss Literary Agency, of Brazil. The book follows a filmmaker named Pedro who is rushing to finish his latest project before he loses his eyesight.
