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Fairlight Books has scooped Woman in Blue, an "innovative" love story inspired by artist Johannes Vermeer by Douglas Bruton.
Editor Sarah Shaw acquired world rights, including audio, directly from the author for publication in early 2025.
Woman in Blue is the third novel from Bruton that focuses on the interplay between art and fiction. The narrative follows an unnamed narrator who hopes Vermeer’s painting, Woman in Blue, "will offer him the answers he has been searching for".
Bruton said: "When I saw Vermeer’s Woman in Blue Reading a Letter I felt a sense of wonder, even enchantment, and knew I wanted to share that with readers and maybe enchant them too. The Woman in Blue’s voice is vibrant and fresh and a perfect tool through which to explore the painting and its power. I am thrilled to be working with Fairlight Books again to bring this story to publication."
Shaw added: "Douglas’ writing struck me from the first page as he masterfully explores the intersections between art, artist and viewer, with profound conclusions about love and creation. It was a joy to work on this novel and we’re very excited to share more of Douglas’ beautiful writing with his readers."