Bonnie Greer to Picnic

Independent publisher Picnic Publications has acquired world rights to the second novel by playwright and Newsnight Review critic Bonnie Greer for a "significant" sum. Entropy is described by the author as being "about pattern, relationship and redemption beneath a surface of unconnectedness, loneliness and the damnation of big unsolved questions".

The story tells of a woman’s attempts to come to terms with the death of her father, and a mysterious 19th century photograph which appears to connect her to a female radio show host. Although there is no explicit reference to the recent election of Barack Obama, Greer's agent Judith Antell said the novel looked at the post-9/11 world in which his presidency became possible.

As a result, Picnic is fast-tracking the book for release on 5th May.

Antell said: "[Greer] responded to a piece Picnic had on the website about independent publishing and the trials thereof. Bonnie was keen to get [the book] out fast, and as the big publishers are having trouble getting things out it seemed like a good fit."

As well as building on her existing TV and radio profile, Greer will be attending the Hay Festival, where she will be reading with the book, and will be accompanied by a jazz musician. Subsequent events will take place at independent bookshops across the country, at which local musicians will play.

Chicago-born Greer has written a number of radio plays, a musical and the novel Hanging by Her Teeth, which was published in 1994 by Serpent’s Tail.

Picnic’s managing director Corinne Souza said the team was "falling-over-its-feet-thrilled" to have signed the book.

The 400-page novel will be published as a B-format paperback, and carry an r.r.p of £9.99.