Canongate to publish 'dazzling' new Drabble novel

Canongate has acquired a "dark and glittering novel" entitled The Dark Flood Rises by Margaret Drabble.

Canongate acquired world rights excluding America, from Jim Gill at United Agents.

The book follows Francesca Stubbs as she "takes a walk through death and old age". It poses questions about "what constitutes a good death and how we understand if we have lived well." The publisher said: "With characteristic wit and caustic prose via some ketchup red merlot, The Dark Flood Rises dazzles and enthrals, entertains and asks existential questions in equal measure."

Drabble said: "I'm very happy be publishing again with Canongate, who are very friendly and encouraging and inspiring. It's good to back with fiction, and with a new novel, and in good hands."

Louisa Joyner, editorial director of Canongate, said: "There is nothing lovelier than acquiring a book from someone you've tried to buy before! Working with Margaret Drabble is a dream."

Canongate will publish The Dark Flood Rises on 3rd November 2016 priced at £16.99.

Drabble's most recent novel The Pure Gold Baby was published by Canongate in 2014.