Harvill Secker pre-empts South Korean author Amil's 'effervescent' speculative short story collection

Harvill Secker has pre-empted Roadkill, South Korean author Amil’s "effervescent" speculative short story collection, with "strong roots" in feminist science fiction and fantasy.

Senior editor Ellie Steel and editor Alice Johnstone acquired world English rights from Edwina de Charnacé at Mulcahy Sweeney Associates, on behalf of Duran Kim at the Duran Kim Agency and Viche, an imprint of Gimm-Young. The collection will be translated by Archana Madhavan and published in summer 2025.

"Featuring dystopian wastelands, shamans, self-driving cars, tusked water deer and a divine sea serpent," the synopsis says, "these six stylistically distinct stories form a sweeping collection that explores contemporary subjects such as the climate crisis, Korean idol culture and techno capitalism through the lives of young women, their friendships and desire for self-expression."

The author said: "It has been a long-time dream of mine to have my stories overcome the language barrier and reach readers outside Korea, and I’m thrilled that the dream is going to be realised by the wonderful translator Archana Madhavan. I can’t wait for my characters to meet readers across the UK and around the world."

Steel and Johnstone added: “Roadkill is an exhilarating collection. Amil’s expansive imagination and intricate worldbuilding make every story utterly unique and memorable, yet one thing they all share is an irresistible warmth, and it’s so refreshing to read compassionate feminist fiction that honours heart and vulnerability as well as strength."