Salt acquires Kate Nicholls' 'evocative' debut novel
Salt has acquired Kate Nicholls’ "evocative" debut novel, The Maternal Element.
Salt Publishing bought UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) from Megan Staunton at Bergstrom Studio. The book will be published as a B-format paperback original on 15th June 2026.
"The Maternal Element is a richly imagined portrait of motherhood and female strength, set against the vast and unforgiving landscape of 19th-century Siberia," the synopsis says. "Inspired by the real scientific and social transformations of the period, Nicholls transports readers into the heart of the Mendeleev family as they navigate the emotional, political and moral challenges of an era defined by rapid change and rising authoritarianism."
Nicholls said: "The more I discovered about the clever, courageous Maria Mendeleeva, Dmitri’s mother, the more excited I became. She is the essence of an unsung hero. Researching and writing her epic yet intimate family story, set prominently in the wilds of 19th-century Siberia, has been an intellectual and emotional adventure.
"I like to imagine Maria would be as thrilled as I am that my novel The Maternal Element is being published by Salt, the dynamic family-run publishing house, reminiscent of the innovative one founded by Maria’s grandfather: the first in Siberia."
Hamilton-Emery, director of Salt, added: "Kate Nicholls has written an extraordinary debut novel – a vivid and moving portrait of a woman’s resilience and vision. The Maternal Element restores Maria Mendeleeva to history with power, grace and unforgettable humanity."
