Black & White signs Goodhand's 'poignant' time travel story

Black & White, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has signed The Day Tripper, a "life-affirming" novel from James Goodhand.

Editor Clem Flanagan and Campbell Brown, executive publisher, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Nora Rawn at MIRA Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, in association with Harry Illingworth at DHH Literary Agency and Helen Edwards. Screen rights have been optioned by a "major" streaming service. The novel will be published on 21st March 2024.

The Day Tripper follows Alex who wakes up 15 years in the future after a near-death experience. The following night he wakes up another nine years in the future and he is 44 years old, and homeless. The next night he awakes in 2005 on his wedding day. "Never knowing which day is coming, Alex begins to piece together what happens in his life after that fateful night. He must push against the heavy headwind of fate, however impossible that might feel and learn that small actions have an untold impact. It might be all Alex needs to save the people he loves, and equally importantly, himself."

Goodhand is also the author of two YA novels, both published with Penguin Children’s. including Last Lesson which has been optioned for television with Red Planet Pictures. The Day Tripper is his adult fiction debut.

Flanagan said: “I became engrossed when reading The Day Tripper. It’s a deeply affecting journey exploring the impact of the choices we make. James has woven a poignant coming-of-age story of love, fate and second chances. We’re delighted to be publishing it here in the UK."

Goodhand commented: "I’ve been blown away by Clem’s enthusiasm for the book and am very much looking forward to working with the passionate and dynamic team at Black & White. The Day Tripper is a novel close to my heart, tackling some very big themes via a playful concept.”