Bonnier Books UK pre-empts Barbara Leahy's début about Rembrandt’s lover

Eriu, the Dublin-based imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has pre-empted Rembrandt’s Promise by Barbara Leahy, who was a winner at last year’s Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair in 2023.

Deirdre Nolan, publishing director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Ger Nichol of The Book Bureau as part of a pre-emptive deal. Rembrandt’s Promise will be published by Eriu in hardback, e-book and audiobook on 27th March 2025.

The novel is based on the true story of Geertje Dircx, who was Rembrandt’s lover after the death of his wife, and who successfully sued him for breach of promise. Eriu said: “This is a story of redemption, loss and ambition, where a wronged woman takes control of her narrative. It is described as a perfect read for fans of Stacey Halls, Maggie O’Farrell and Tracy Chevalier.”

Leahy said: “I’m thrilled that Deirdre Nolan has welcomed my debut novel into the fold at Eriu, alongside so many writers I admire. When I first came across the story of Geertje Dircx, the woman at the heart of Rembrandt’s Promise, I was immediately captivated by her passion and courage. I hope readers will be equally inspired by this woman wronged by history, whose voice can finally be heard.”

Nolan said: “After first meeting Barbara and hearing the wonderful story of Geertje and Rembrandt at the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair I am delighted to be publishing Rembrandt’s Promise. This sensuous novel about a wronged woman losing herself in love but regaining her dignity is a powerful work that will delight readers of historical fiction and art lovers alike.”

Nichol said: “I genuinely fell in love with Geertje Dircx’s enthralling, unforgettable and transporting story. Barbara Leahy has brought Geertje to life with compassion, passion and skill. It’s a beautifully told début of a courageous woman.”

Nolan is from Cork. She was a winner of the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair in 2023. Her short stories have won numerous awards, appeared in the Bridport Prize Anthology and the Bristol Short Story Prize anthology and been broadcast on RTÉ Radio One. Rembrandt’s Promise is her first novel.