Borough Press scoops debut novel from Appiah in six figure, two-book deal

The Borough Press has scooped "an intimate and compelling" debut novel from writer, screenwriter and Macmillan Children's Books editor Krystle Zara Appiah, in a six-figure, two-book deal.

Carla Josephson, editorial director acquired UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) for Rootless from Juliet Mushens at Mushens Entertainment. North American rights were pre-empted by Chelcee Johns at Ballantine in a six-figure deal via Jenny Bent at The Bent Agency on behalf of Juliet Mushens, with Signatuur in Holland snapping up Dutch rights. It will be published in hardback, e-book and audio in April 2023.

Rootless follows best friends Efe and Sam who meet as teenagers in 1990s London. Over the years that follow the best friends become lovers, then marry. But an unplanned pregnancy forces them to confront just how radically different they want their lives to be. Soon Efe is swallowed up by the demands of motherhood, the dreams for her life dangling from a thread. And when she disappears one morning, leaving both Sam and their daughter behind, Sam’s illusion of their perfect marriage crumbles. He’s about to discover exactly who he’s married to and the lengths he’ll go to win her back…

Josephson said: "I fell in love with Efe and Sam from the very first pages–line by line, their relationship and the conflicts within are so beautifully observed and extraordinarily poignant. Krystle has painted an intimate and compelling portrait of a British-Ghanaian marriage in crisis, exploring themes of motherhood, family and the meaning of home. This is such an accomplished debut and I am absolutely delighted that Krystle has joined us at Borough!"

Appiah said: “I am delighted to be working with Carla and The Borough Press team on Rootless, my debut novel. The enthusiasm in the UK and abroad has been better than anything I dared to imagine. I can’t wait for readers to encounter Sam and Efe and see their story unfold.”

Mushens added: “Krystle’s writing is gorgeous, and I found the exploration of love and motherhood very moving–I’m so excited to see The Borough Press launch what I’m sure will be a long and successful writing career.”