Fig Tree pre-empts Pike’s ‘dazzling’ debut novel inspired by medieval conwoman

Fig Tree has acquired Rosanna Pike’s “dazzling” debut novel, A Little Trickerie, based on the true story of the so-called Holy Maid of Leominster, a medieval conwoman who impersonated an angel and amassed a cult following.

Helen Garnons-Williams, publishing director, pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights from Katie Greenstreet at Paper Literary Agency. It will be published in July 2024.

A Little Trickerie is described by the publisher as “a dazzlingly written, irreverent and huge-hearted novel about hope and superstition, cruelty and kinship, dreams and daring – with an unforgettable heroine".

The synopsis reads: “Born a vagabond, Elizabeth ‘Tibb’ Ingelby and her mother roam the English countryside, scamming men and dreaming of a home to call their own. When her Ma dies in childbirth after a trick gone wrong, Tibb finds refuge on the Norfolk coastline with a boy named Ivo. He cares for and protects her as a brother would, until his own demons become too much to bear and she is once again left alone to survive on her wits.

“Tibb joins a troupe of strolling players on a journey across Tudor England that leads eventually back to Ivo, and to the conjuring of an audacious plan that will enable them – and those they love – to escape the shackles of society. But when news spreads of miracles in the parish, their hoax takes on a life of its own, drawing crowds – and then enemies – to the doors of the church…”

Garnons-Williams said: “A Little Trickerie is a delight, and the irrepressible, foul-mouthed Tibb is an utterly unique creation. Rosanna Pike has written a disarmingly funny and deeply moving picaresque story, set far from the rarefied, familiar world of the Tudor court.”

Pike, a former teacher and red-carpet interviewer for the Evening Standard, and a graduate of Curtis Brown Creative and the Faber Academy, commented: “When I came across the details of this historical hoax I was instantly captivated, and Tibb’s story came roaring into my mind. My thanks go to my agent, Katie Greenstreet, who saw the potential and believed in Tibb from the start.”

Greenstreet said: “Tibbs’ is a voice that will grab you and won’t let go as she takes you on her wild and wonderful journey across Tudor England. This hilarious and heart-breaking debut is one I’m enormously proud to represent.”