Gaia pre-empts 'exceptional' debut from Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza

Gaia, part of Octopus Publishing Group, has pre-empted an "exceptional" debut from Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza.

Commissioning editor Jessica Minocha acquired world rights to The Spirit of the Rainforest from Alice Welby at Kruger Cowne. The book will be published in May 2025 and will be priced at £22.

Peruvian and Amazonian scientist, conservationist and National Geographic Explorer Dr Espinoza "uncovers one of the most unexplored regions on the planet" in her debut, as she tells the story of Amazonian culture,  biodiversity and the "enduring spiritual connections between humanity and the natural world".

Dr Espinoza grew up with the rainforest as her back garden and learned from her grandmother, a native healer in natural medicine. She later went on to pursue a classical education in science, gaining a PhD in the US.

In her debut, Dr Espinoza recounts her treacherous encounters with a boiling river, her conservation work with stingless bees, her experience of taking ayahuasca as a natural psychedelic – and all the biodiversity of the rainforest.

Minocha said: "Dr Rosa is a huge talent, and her stories from the Amazon are a wonderful celebration of the natural world. It’s the unique blend of indigenous culture and scientific knowledge that I find so fascinating. This book is perfect for those who love reading Robin Wall Kimmerer and Suzanne Simard. You’re in for a treat!"

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