By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee, Niamh Parr and Emily Retford
Acquisition News
Khambete-Sharma’s Fourth Novel Snatched Up by Corvus
Corvus, the commercial imprint of Atlantic Books, has secured What Will People Think? the fourth novel by writer and award-winning advertising professional Vedashree Khambete-Sharma. UK and Commonwealth rights were acquired by Publishing Director Sarah Hodgson at Corvus from Judith Murray at Greene & Heaton. What Will People Think? set in 1970s Mumbai, brings to life a charming middle-class community in the Vile Parle suburb, at the heart of which sits the Bendre family. In true Pride and Prejudice style, Ila Bendre’s mother is determined to have her four daughters married as soon as possible. However, it proves to be a difficult ambition when all of her daughters show contrasting attitudes to the prospect. Ila Bendre is set strongly against marriage and wants to focus on building her career instead. On the other hand, Bollywood-obsessed, Latika Bendre dives headfirst into the affair, taking the matter of marriage into her own hands. The reputation of the entire family hangs in the balance as each Bendre woman tries to fight for what she wants and discovers what love means to her along the way. What Will People Think? is set to be published in hardback and trade paperback in November 2024, with the paperback version following in July 2025.
Korean Bestseller Pre-empted by MacLehose Press
MacLehose Press has pre-empted Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat, the debut novel by writer Kim Jiyun. Originally published on the Korean ebook platform Millie’s Reads and subsequently printed by Sam & Parkers, Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat quickly became a bestseller in Korea. The English translation has been done by Shanna Tan, with the English market being the latest in a long line of translations from French to Italian to Polish. Paul Engles, Commissioning Editor at MacLehose, bought world English rights from Emily Randle at Randle Editorial & Literary Consulting on behalf of Jackie Yang at Eric Yang Agency. Set in one of the most popular districts in Seoul, the Smiley Laundromat is a cosy hub for its users. When a mysterious diary is left behind in the laundromat, the regulars start using it as a shared diary – candidly divulging their hearts and minds. Before long, they find themselves coming together with the aim of finding and bringing peace to the original owner of the diary. If you’re looking for a touching read, Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat will be published in English in August 2024.
From Book to Screen
What to Watch?
House of the Dragons returns to screens
After a very successful first season, House of the Dragon returns with new characters and new dragons. Following the events of the Fire & Blood novel by George R. R. Martin, the television series focuses on the history of the House Targaryen. Series two takes place following the crowning of Aegon after the death of the King and will focus on the conflict between the Green and Black factions. The second series will consist of eight episodes. This series sees the likes of Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Ewan Mitchell and Eve Best returning to the production. Abubakar Salim, Gayle Rankin, Freddie Fox and Simon Russell Beale are some of the members joining the star-studded cast. With the third series of House of the Dragon already commissioned, you can watch the second series from the 16 June 2024 on Sky and Now.
Bridgerton series three; part two streams on Netflix
The second half of the third series of Bridgerton is now available to stream on Netflix. Back in May, series three-part one saw Penelope Featherington reinventing herself and capturing the attention of the recently returned Colin, the third Bridgerton sibling. The second part of the third season will follow the events after the scandalous carriage ride that prompted Colin to propose. You can stream part two of season three of Bridgerton from the 13 June 2024.
Lady in the Lake on Apple TV+
A new murder mystery adaptation of Laura Lippman’s Lady in the Lake is coming to Apple TV+. The upcoming series will portray a storyline inspired by true crime events from Lippman's youth serving as a basis for the series' narrative. Set in the 1960s Baltimore, an investigative journalist, Maddie Schwartz works on uncovering a series of murders and collides with Cleo Sherwood, a mother navigating the politics of the Black community. Amidst the hardships of their lives, the murders of Cleo and a young Jewish girl grip the city as Maddie investigates while struggling against societal issues. Core themes of the plot also cover racism and misogyny in the sixties America. Natalie Portman is set for the leading role of Maddie alongside Moses Ingram, Y’Ian Noel and Mikey Madison to name a few. Catch Lady in the Lake out on 19 July 2024.