MacLehose Press acquires Lázár by 21-year-old Nelio Biedermann 

MacLehose Press has acquired Lázár, which it describes as “a masterfully atmospheric fairytale-esque“ novel by 21-year-old Nelio Biedermann. 

Publisher Jon Riley pre-empted UK and Commonwealth Rights from Marc Koralnik at the Liepman Agency, for publication Spring 2026. Judy Clain at Summit Books in the US will publish it at the same time. The novel will be first published in Germany by Rowohlt in 2025. 

Inspired by the author’s family history, the story follows the demise of a noble Hungarian family over several generations: from the beginning of the 20th century, through the Nazi era and into the ensuing expropriation and deportation by the Soviets to the Hungarian national uprising in 1956.  

Riley said: “Quercus has a fine record in launching the careers of young writers in translation across its lists, from Daniel Kehlmann to Joel Dicker. The excitement that is surrounding Nelio Biedermann from publishers around the world suggests that Lázár will enable him to become an international literary phenomenon with his first translated novel.”  

Biedermann said: “I am very happy to be published on the MacLehose list and excited to work with Jon and his team. And of course, it’s an honour to share the same publishers at Quercus and Summit Books as Daniel Kehlmann.”