Bookouture signs two ‘gripping’ family sagas by Ukrainian-American author Denford

Bookouture has signed two “gripping and deeply moving” historical family sagas by Ukrainian-American author and translator Tetyana Denford.

Commissioning editor Rhianna Louise acquired world rights to the two books directly from the author. The first, an initially self-published novel entitled Motherland, will be released in July 2022. 

It tells the story of Denford’s grandparents, who fled Ukraine during World War II and travelled across the world, “making utterly heart-wrenching choices along the way.”

The second book, which will be published in 2023, will recount another “epic” story from Denford’s family, “demonstrating immense strength and love amid the devastating impact of war and its impact through generations”.  

Louise said: “I am beyond thrilled to be working with Tetyana, an immensely talented storyteller with rich and emotive writing. 

“Motherland is a piercing, heart-wrenching novel and it is a real honour to be able to bring it to the widest possible readership. I can’t wait to publish it in July, and I am so excited for many more powerful novels from Tetyana that give voice to real stories from history with immense relevance for us today.”

Denford said: “I’ve spoken to so many people in the industry over the years, and for me, Bookouture has the model that inspires me so much: they push the future of book publishing in an innovative and collaborative way. 

“I was inspired by how they approached Motherland in such an important way, and I honestly can’t wait to see what future possibilities lie ahead with this team—not just with my own books being in the hands of so many readers, but for stories like these to make a wider impact around the world. I think people crave learning about things that resonate on not only a personal level, but a cultural one too, now more than ever. Bookouture is the perfect home for stories to have this kind of resonance.”