Manilla Press, the literary imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired Fair Rosaline from international bestselling author Natasha Solomons, along with a second novel.
Sophie Orme, publishing director for Zaffre and Manilla Press, acquired world all language rights in a speedy six-figure pre-empt for a two-book deal from Susan Armstrong at C&W. Translation rights have already been snapped up by Sourcebooks and DTV, with more deals expected soon.
Fair Rosaline is described as an extraordinary feminist retelling of Romeo and Juliet from the point of view of Rosaline, the woman Romeo loved first. Was Romeo really a hero, or was the greatest ever love story a lie?
Solomons’ second novel with Manilla Press will be another piece of historical fiction inspired by Shakespeare’s plays – this time centred around the powerful, irresistible figure of Cleopatra.
Natasha Solomons said, ‘I’m so thrilled to be working with Sophie Orme and the brilliant team at Manilla Press. I’ve been bowled over by their enthusiasm for my vision of Rosaline and ‘dark Romeo’ and I feel incredibly lucky to be collaborating with them on this and future books.’
Sophie Orme said, ‘Fair Rosaline is an exceptional piece of historical fiction that I haven’t stopped talking about since the moment I opened the submission email. Fierce, feminist and completely captivating – it takes everything you think you know about one of the most famous love stories of all time, Romeo & Juliet, and turns it on its head. Natasha’s storytelling is irresistible – this book grips like a thriller – and I cannot wait for readers to meet Rosaline, her incredible heroine.’
Natasha Solomons is the author of five internationally bestselling novels, including Mr Rosenblum’s List; The Novel in the Viola, which was chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club; and The Gallery of Vanished Husbands. Natasha lives in Dorset with her son, daughter and her husband, the children’s author, David Solomons with whom she also writes screenplays. Her novels have been translated into 17 languages.
Fair Rosaline will be published in the UK and Ireland in August 2023 in hardback, audio and eBook.
