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Viking has acquired two novels by What Was Lost author Catherine O'Flynn for what is rumoured to be a six-figure sum. The deal, struck at auction with "a number of publishers”, was conducted by O'Flynn's agent Lucy Luck.
Viking editorial director Kate Barker acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to both novels, with the publisher pitching for the book "with a bag of sweets, [because] O'Flynn's parents ran a sweet shop, and a specially designed CD featuring songs from the novel [Evergreen]".
The first book has the working title Evergreen. It is set in Birmingham and tells the story of local TV news presenter Frank, who is "haunted by disappearances", which involve his father and his predecessor. It is scheduled for release in spring 2010. There are currently no details on the second book.
Barker said: "Catherine O'Flynn has achieved an extraordinary amount already and will, I'm sure, come to be seen as one of the great writers of her generation. She is extremely funny and sharp yet endearing on the absurdities of modern British culture. She also articulates profound truths about life in a rare and entirely accessible way. I'm delighted and honoured to be working with her."
Viking publishing director Venetia Butterfield added: "This is a very important acquisition for Viking; Catherine's writing is both critically acclaimed and I know will reach out to a vast readership which is what Viking is all about - great writing that many people will love.”
What Was Lost, published in 2007 by ACE-funded Tindal Street Press, won the Costa First Novel Award, was longlisted for both the Booker and Orange Prizes and shortlisted for the Guardian First Book. The author was named Galaxy British Book Award Newcomer of the Year 2008.