Eriu, the Dublin-based imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired a new novel from Charleen Hurtubise.
UK and Commonwealth rights (excl. Canada) were acquired by publishing director Deirdre Nolan from Felicity Blunt at Curtis Brown.
Saoirse, which has already been endorsed by Michelle Gallen, Lauren McKenzie and Belinda McKeon who has called it ‘an audacious act of storytelling’, will be published in February 2026 alongside the U.S. edition published by Celadon Books, in a deal brokered by Gráinne Fox at United Talent Agency.
Set in the wilds of Donegal in 1999, Saoirse is a haunting and evocative story that explores the fine line between dishonesty and reinvention. Saoirse is an artist living what appears to be an idyllic life with her husband and daughters. But when her work unexpectedly wins a major award, the resulting attention threatens to unravel the life she’s so carefully built. What no one knows is that Saoirse has been on the run since she was seventeen, living under a stolen identity. As her past resurfaces, the novel moves between her childhood in Michigan and her journey to Ireland in search of safety and belonging.
Charleen Hurtubise said: ‘I found it such a thrill to write Saoirse, to uncover her grit and sinew – to discover her resilience and bid for reinvention against all odds. Mostly, I love how hard she has fallen in love. I can’t wait for readers to jump into Saoirse’s world!’
Deirdre Nolan said: ‘Charleen Hurtubise creates an unforgettable heroine in Saoirse, and her atmospheric, lyrical narrative provides a compelling tension that will keep readers gripped to the last page.’
Felicity Blunt said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Gráinne Fox and Eriu to bring Saoirse to a UK audience – this is a poignant and thought-provoking story about creativity, reinvention and escape. Set between Michigan and Ireland, the book deftly explores the long reach of the past in spite of how hard we might try to escape it. A perfect story for readers of Colm Tóibín and Colin Walsh – we are very excited to see this published next year.’
Charleen Hurtubise has lived in Dublin, Ireland for over 25 years, having moved from Michigan, USA. She is a teacher and artist as well as a writer, and her short fiction, essays and poetry have appeared in various publications. She holds an MFA Creative Writing from University College Dublin (UCD) where she has also facilitated creative writing modules. Her debut novel The Polite Act of Drowning was published in 2023.
Saoirse will be published in hardback, trade paperback, eBook and audiobook 26th February 2026.
