'Searing' novel on Singapore occupation to Oneworld

Oneworld is to publish a "searing" novel set in occupied Singapore by Oxford graduate Jing-Jing Lee.

Publisher Juliet Mabey bought World English rights to How We Disappeared from Nelle Andrew at PFD.

How We Disappeared tells the story of Wang Di, a widow in the year 2000 who is forced to confront the brutal atrocities of the Japanese invasion in her small village in 1942, and the devastation it has wreaked on her life ever since.

Mabey said: "Jing-Jing has produced one of the most exciting debuts I've read in a long time. How We Disappeared is a big, ambitious epic that opens a window onto the Fall of Singapore, but seen here from the less familiar perspective of the Singaporeans. Infused with empathy and a deep insight into the human condition, it offers a moving exploration of love and the challenge of coming to terms with a conflicted past. Her writing is absolutely exquisite, and I'm delighted to be showcasing it on the Oneworld list with this gorgeous novel."

Jing said: "I am thrilled to count myself among Oneworld's wonderful list of authors. I am especially proud to be working with such champions of diverse and underrepresented voices such as Juliet and her team, and am looking forward to what our collaboration will bring."

 Oneworld will look to publish the novel in Autumn 2018.