Sky News editor pens non-fiction debut on British identity

Jonathan Cape is publishing BRIT(ish): Getting Under the Skin of Britain’s Race Problem by Afua Hirsch, social affairs editor for Sky News.

Michal Shavit, publishing director at Jonathan Cape, pre-empted UK & Commonwealth rights from Bill Hamilton at AM Heath to publish the title in Spring 2018.

Shavit called the title a book for "anyone who wants to understand the truth about race in British society, the hidden battle for British identity and who we are becoming as a nation".

"Afua provides deep analysis and very compelling evidence of the crisis of identity this country is experiencing and that must be addressed," Shavit said. "It’s a hugely important and timely book – insightful, funny and at other times a shocking snapshot of the state of the nation - and one that will no doubt speak to people across the racial divide and change the way we view our culture and society.”

Hirsch was a human rights barrister, legal affairs and West Africa correspondent for the Guardian, and is now social affairs editor for Sky News.