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HarperNorth has acquired How to be a Patriot: Why love of country can end our very British Culture War by Sunder Katwala, head of the think tank British Future.
Jonathan de Peyer, senior commissioning editor, acquired world all-language rights directly from the author, for publication in hardback, e-book and audio in May 2023.
The publisher’s description reads: “Sunder Katwala grew up with some identity questions to work through. As a half-Indian, Irish Catholic kid, the chequered history of post-imperial Britain seemed very personal. Still, he came to realise that with his background he could hardly be anything but proudly British – and he’s comfortable saying so.
“But why are many other English liberals unable to get over their fear of flags? And how much use is it to secure a confident sense of personal and national identity if your country starts falling apart all around you? This thoughtful book moves from Sunder’s personal journey to navigate the many identity crises of this increasingly disunited Kingdom – tackling extremism and integration after 7/7; fears of immigration and the deep divides of Brexit; the resurgence of online racism and raging culture wars over what our history means today. Sunder explores whether he might now find himself doomed to be the last British patriot of them all.”
De Peyer said: “I’ve wanted to publish Sunder for years. With his background in journalism, policymaking and campaigning, he has a rare mix of experience and brings a cool head and authoritative voice to this most contested issue. Without being corny, Sunder offers the kind of enlightened liberal thinking that makes one proud to be British.”
Katwala commented: “Identity can divide or unite us. In a year when Britain thinks about identity, I want to explore why patriotism could help defuse the culture wars if we get it right. Having grown up in the North before moving away, it’s great to be part of HarperNorth’s exciting list to explore how we bridge our divides.”