Press Release: Deals Done
Penguin Acquires Masterful Debut Novel From New Yorker '20 Under 40' Writer
Posted at 10:19AM Friday 23 Jul 2010
London, 23 July, 2010... Penguin has bought UK and Commonwealth rights to New Yorker '20 under 40' writer David Bezmozgis's debut novel in a deal with Margaret Halton of Rogers, Coleridge & White in association with Ira Silverberg of Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.The Free World tells the story of a Jewish family attempting to emigrate from the Soviet Union to America in 1978 but who find themselves stranded in Rome. Commissioning Editor Will Hammond, who made the acquisition for Penguin's Viking imprint, said: 'David Bezmozgis is one of the wittiest, most humane and enjoyable writers I've ever read. His writing seems effortless, and his dialogue and timing are second to none. The Free World captures brilliantly the pathos and absurdity of the émigré experience, the intensity and exasperations of family life, the pain and bewilderment of being far from home and unable to return. This novel tells one of the defining stories of the twentieth century, the escape from Communism, and yet it had me rolling with laughter. He is, without doubt, one of the most talented writers of his generation.' David Bezmozgis was born in Riga, Latvia, in 1973 and emigrated to Canada at the age of six. His collection of short stories Natasha, published by Jonathan Cape in 2004, was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and was the regional winner for Canada/the Caribbean in the Commonwealth First Book Prize. Viking will publish on 5 May 2011. The Free World will be published simultaneously by Farrar, Straus & Giroux in the US. For further information you can contact Will Hammond on 020 7010 3384 will.hammond@uk.penguingroup.com margaret@rcwlitagency.com ira@sll.com
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