Head of Zeus acquires Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman

Aria’s commissioning editor Martina Arzu has bought UK & Commonwealth rights for two California-set novels by author Ella Berman from Anna Carmichael at Abner Stein, on behalf of David Forrer at InkWell.

Before We Were Innocent is described by Head of Zeus as “a dark escapist exploration of the intense friendships and mistakes of our youth”. It will be publishing in July 2023 following the release in the US by Berkley (PRH) in hardback, e-book and audio in April 2023.

Berman said: “I can’t think of a better UK home for my books than at Head of Zeus. Martina is the perfect champion for Before We Were Innocent and I can’t wait to get this ode to fierce friendships and lost innocence into the hands of UK readers this summer.”

The book follows Bess and Joni, whose summer on a Greek island ends in tragedy when their best friend, Evangeline, dies under suspicious circumstances. Ten years on, they are confronted with their past when Joni becomes entangled in a similar crime in Los Angeles and asks Bess for a favour.

Arzu commented: “Before We Were Innocent is an electrifying coming-of-age story, about how polarising the friendships of our youth can be. Ella’s powerful portrayal of the impact the media exposure has on the girls insightfully confronts us with the harsh vilification women are exposed to in the media, where to be imperfect means you must be guilty of something.

“This is an upmarket reading-group at its best – beautiful to read, layered and with a suspenseful mystery at its heart. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be bringing Ella to the Aria list."

Forrer added: “I’m thrilled that Martina and Head of Zeus will make it possible for UK readers to experience everything that US readers love about Ella’s writing.”