Cézanne-inspired debut to Aardvark Bureau

Gallic Books imprint Aardvark Bureau has signed a debut novel inspired by a little-known painting by French artist Paul Cézanne.

The publisher acquired UK, Europe and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) in Michael Langan’s first novel Shadow is a Colour from Laura Macdougall at United Agents.

The inspiration for Langan’s debut novel is a painting: "The Murder" by Cézanne, produced during the little-known dark period at the start of the artist’s career.

Langan’s "ambitious" story travels from Liverpool – Langan’s own home city, where the painting "The Murder" is housed in the Walker Gallery – to New York, to Hong Kong, to France, and shifts back and forth in time from the nineteenth century to the present day.

Cézanne, his friendship and falling out with Emile Zola, and the lasting impact of his work on a range of troubled characters, is at the core of this novel about life and art, relationships, family, sexuality and the shadows of the past.

Jane Aitken, m.d. of Gallic Books, said: "The appeal of Michael Langan’s brilliant first novel lies in his sensitive exploration of masculinity and what it means to be a man today – and the skill with which these themes, and the paintings of Cézanne, are woven through a fast-paced and fascinating story."

Macdougall said: "I'm thrilled that Michael and his debut novel will be published on Gallic Books’ exciting, international list. It's the perfect home for a novel which takes its inspiration from a French artist."

Langan added: "I'm absolutely delighted that my debut novel will be published by Aardvark Bureau, who have such a diverse and interesting publishing record as well as a refreshingly global outlook on literature. Joining their list is a truly exciting prospect for me and it's a real thrill to know that my first book is in great hands."