Harvill Secker to publish Roffey's 'electrifying' new novel

Harvill Secker will publish Monique Roffey’s “electrifying” new novel Passiontide, her first since her Costa Book of the Year winner The Mermaid of Black Conch (Peepal Tree/Harvill Secker). 

Senior commissioning editor Alex Russell acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann as part of a previous deal. The new novel will launch in May 2024 with an “unmissable” marketing and publicity campaign, including a “major” author tour.

Set in the Caribbean, Passiontide follows four women as they spark a revolution in the aftermath of a shocking event. The synopsis reads: “Early one morning, at the close of St Colibri’s carnival, a young female steel pan player is found dead beneath a tree. It is a discovery that will transform the lives of everyone on this small island. Passiontide is a fiercely alive novel of women daring to imagine a different world.”

Russell said: “We are proud to be publishing Monique’s new novel. It is an electrifying story about community and protest, courage and freedom, friendship and love. Passiontide speaks powerfully to our moment and brings us a remarkable cast of characters who live on in the mind. Monique is a spellbinding storyteller and we look forward to sharing this major new book with her legions of fans.”

Roffey said: “Written with much thought, love and care, this is a book about women I’ve waited my whole life to write.”