Manilla Press, the boutique literary imprint dedicated to publishing unique author-led fiction and non-fiction of Bonnier Books UK, today announces that acclaimed actress Sheila Atim will narrate Natasha Solomons’ much-anticipated new novel, Fair Rosaline.
Sheila Atim MBE said: ‘I am very excited to be narrating the audiobook of Fair Rosaline. The novel brings us into the world of Romeo and Juliet, complete with the characters we already know, but subverts the classic story, shedding a new and unique light on its themes. Its women-led lens gives a fresh and powerful perspective, bringing the characters who are typically at the side of the stage into the centre. I am thrilled to bring them to life.’
Chelsea Graham, editor – audio at Bonnier Books UK added: ‘We’re thrilled to have Sheila bring Natasha’s fierce and feminist vision to life in her narration of Fair Rosaline. Sheila has such a strong connection to the work of Shakespeare and is so perfectly suited to bringing Rosaline to listeners. Her experience and interest in the classics will make for an immersive and powerful listening experience.’
Fair Rosaline is 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?
Sheila Atim MBE is a Ugandan-British actress, singer, composer, and playwright. She made her professional acting debut in 2013 at Shakespeare’s Globe in The Lightning Child. She has won two Olivier Awards, for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical (Girl From The North Country, 2018) and Best Actress (Constellations, 2022) respectively. Sheila has recently appeared in Marvel’s Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, Disney’s Pinocchio and The Woman King.
Fair Rosaline will be published in hardback, audio and ebook on August 3rd, with the paperback following in 2024.