Jacaranda nets second satirical novel from Isong 

Jacaranda Books has secured News at Noon, the second novel from Anietie Isong.  

Founder and publisher Valerie Brandes acquired world rights, excluding Nigeria, from Jon Curzon at Artellus. The novel will be published in May 2022.  

The synopsis reads: “When a sick man flies in from a neighbouring country, he becomes Nigeria’s first ebola case—patient zero. As the cases rise and journalists across the country vie for the lead in reporting the news on the imminent pandemic, Ifiok and his colleagues must immediately tackle the spread of the virus by raising awareness, sharing information, and supporting the outreach efforts of health workers. Unfortunately, they also have to battle against hysteria, misinformation, corruption and denial. Ifiok’s love life could be a much needed escape from the stresses of work, if not for his meddling mother and the outdated traditions of society.”

Isong won the McKitterick Prize for his debut novel Radio Sunrise (Jacaranda) while an essay of his was included in Of This Our Country (Borough Press), an anthology celebrating Nigerian writers.  

He commented: "I’m delighted to continue publishing with Jacaranda with my new novel News at Noon. Following the great success of the McKitterick Prize-winning Radio Sunrise, I’m excited to once again bring to readers the world of Ifiok and his contemporaries."