'Stunning' debut to Jacaranda

Jacaranda Books has acquired Taty Went West, a "stunning" debut novel by South African artist and writer Nikhil Singh, in a pre-Frankfurt deal.

Jacaranda acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from Sarah Such of the Sarah Such Literary Agency.

Described by Arthur C. Clarke Award-winner Lauren Beukes as "a hallucinogenic post-apocalyptic carnival ride", the novel is "packed with spectacular, original illustrations and written in the author’s unique style", the publisher said. 

Valerie Brandes, founder of Jacaranda Books, said: "We are hugely excited to be publishing Nikhil Singh's wonderful novel Taty Went West. Nikhil is a brilliant storyteller and artist, a rare talent who will be warmly welcomed by our UK audience."

Singh said: "I feel very honoured to be included on the list of a publisher such as Jacaranda Books, who work so dynamically to champion innovative global voices."

Jacaranda Books will publish Taty Went West in October 2017 with Singh promoting widely in both the UK and South Africa on publication. An accompanying original soundtrack taken from the novel will be included in the e-book edition.