Swedish author's Quicksand to S&S

Simon & Schuster UK has acquired two novels by Swedish author Malin Persson Giolito from Astri von Arbin Ahlander at the Ahlander Agency in Stockholm.

UK and Commonwealth rights to Persson Giolito’s Quicksand, as well as her next novel, were bought at auction at the London Book Fair by managing director of S&S's adult publishing division, Suzanne Baboneau.

Quicksand, which tells the story of teenager Maja’s trial after she is accused of a school shooting, is due for hardcover publication in Spring 2017. The rights to the novel have already been sold in 14 territories, including, Germany, Italy and France.

Baboneau said: “Quicksand, for me, stole the show at LBF. It is a novel about innocence and guilt and the many conflicting layers in between, about the ambiguities of friendship, and how loyalties and trust can become contorted. One cares very deeply for Maja, despite the horrifying nature of the crime she is involved with. Electrifying!”

Persson Giolito added: “Watching Quicksand taking off like this is a dream come true. I really believe that Simon & Schuster UK is the perfect match.”