Larkin's 'fresh' debut novel goes to Granta

Granta has bought non-fiction author Emma Larkin's debut novel.

Bella Lacey, publishing director, signed up Comrade Aeon’s Field Guide to Bangkok by Larkin, who has previously written non-fiction books such as Finding George Orwell in Burma and Everything is Broken (both published by Granta).

Lacey acquired UK and Commonwealth rights including Canada from Sarah Chalfant at the Wylie Agency. Comrade Aeon’s Field Guide to Bangkok is scheduled for publication in spring 2021. 

"Larkin’s debut novel explores contemporary Thai culture and its complex politics and history, through the story of a forgotten and overgrown plot of land in central Bangkok which hides the secrets and histories of the local community – secrets that threaten to come to light when it is bought for the development of a new Bangkok skyscraper," Granta said.

Lacey said: "Raised and still living in Bangkok, Emma Larkin knows Thailand intimately, and her exploration of its culture is fresh, original and utterly authentic. She treats the currents and complexity of Thai politics and society with a wonderful lightness of touch, and has created an utterly absorbing narrative with an arresting cast of characters from all walks of Thai life. I’m thrilled to be launching her fiction writing at Granta."