Jacaranda lands 'extraordinary' tale of Queen Charlotte from Andrews

Jacaranda Books has acquired the rights to Charlotte Sophia: Myth, Madness & The Moor, described as an “extraordinary and wonderful” work of historical fiction by Tina Andrews. 

In a deal brokered by c.e.o. Valerie Brandes, Jacaranda bought world rights, excluding Italy and Brazil, for the updated, 10th Anniversary edition of Andrews’ 2013 book from Linda Kaplan of DeFiore and Company Literary Management. It will publish in September 2023.

The new release will come with an updated title – Queen Charlotte Sophia: A Royal Affair – and an author’s note which will include reference to recent news events. These include Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s marriage, which brought fresh comparisons to King George, Queen Charlotte and royal marriages with a biracial spouse. 

The synopsis reads: “This historical fiction novel not only weaves Andrews’ penchant for dramatically connecting the historical dots, but is also the result of 20+ years of research by Andrews in the UK and Germany to substantiate Queen Charlotte’s African lineage. 

“It incorporates her tireless research at the British Library, the British Museum, and other archives; and includes information from acclaimed historical researcher Mario de Valdes who, in addition to working with Andrews on her CBS Sally Hemings mini series and book, has written extensively on Queen Charlotte and her Moorish roots.” 

Of the recent acquisition, Andrews stated: “I am so thrilled and excited that my book and story on Queen Charlotte Sophia has found a new home with Jacaranda Books. The fanfare surrounding the novel for the last decade has always been humbling. But now with Jacaranda Books and their wonderful team, the novel will gain an even larger readership hungry to know the real story of Queen Charlotte, her 60-year love story with King George III whom she helped through four bouts of madness, and the secrets they were both forced to keep to avoid scandal, xenophobia, and peer reproach. I love that people are finally celebrating this woman of colour with her proper place in the history of the British monarchy.” 

Brandes commented: “We are excited to be publishing the new edition of Tina Andrew’s pioneering work on the life of Queen Charlotte. Andrews’ Queen Charlotte Sophia is an expansive and lovingly fictionalised portrait of a life. Andrews has played a vital role in bringing the story of Queen Charlotte’s heritage to the world stage and has inspired others with her passion, vision and research. At a time when discussions of race and royalty in Britain are more prevalent than ever, no one is better placed than Tina to open our eyes to the life of Queen Charlotte and her world, which was glimmering with possibility, love, and mystery.”

In the 10 years since the novel’s publication, it has been adapted into a play titled “Charlotte Sophia” (coming to London in 2024), while the audiobook (from Recorded Books) for the existing manuscript was read by “Bridgerton” star Adjoa Andoh.