The Borough Press snaps up Emilia Hart's third novel
The Borough Press has snapped up Emilia Hart’s third novel. Editorial director Amy Perkins bought UK and Commonwealth rights to The Enigmas from Felicity Blunt at Curtis Brown, for publication in April 2027. The novel will be published in the US by Sarah Cantin at St Martin’s Press. Translation rights have sold in Italy (Fazi) and are currently under offer in multiple other territories.
The Enigmas follows Beatrice Bone, a young woman living an isolated life in south London during the Second World War. When her sister unexpectedly dies while working at Bletchley Park, Beatrice is plunged into grief – until she realises that her sister’s last gift to her, an antique watch, has the ability to transport her back in time.
The synopsis continues: "Now Beatrice has the chance to save her sister – but what will be the cost? A heartrending and magical depiction of the strength of both sisterly and motherly love, Emilia’s writing once again gives voice to the forgotten women of history, this time their work at one of the most pivotal locations of the Second World War."
Perkins said: “Despite the fact Emilia has already written two wonderful books, I truly believe this is her best novel to date – incredibly ambitious and almost unbearably moving, it has me in tears every time I read it. I’m so excited to see her career soar to new heights once readers have the chance to discover it.”
Hart said: “I am delighted that The Borough Press is publishing The Enigmas. Amy is such a talented editor and it has been an absolute joy to work with her and Sarah again: they are the editing dream-team. I’m also very grateful to Felicity for her unwavering support and guidance as I grappled with the early versions of this novel. The Enigmas combines two topics which have always fascinated me: time travel and women’s role in the Second World War. I’ve loved writing it and I can’t wait to share it with readers next year."
