Manilla bags memoir from Children of God member

Bonnier Books UK’s new literary imprint Manilla Press has acquired a "powerful memoir" from debut author Bexy Cameron exploring her childhood in the notorious cult Children of God. The book has been optioned for a limited series adaptation with actress Dakota Johnson attached to star.

Editorial director Susannah Otter bought UK and Commonwealth rights to Cult Following from Marilia Savvides at management and production firm 42. The book will be published in July 2021 in hardback, trade paperback, e-book and audio.

In her account, Cameron both explores her childhood in the Children of God cult and details her attempt, as an adult, to make a documentary about other cults, where she spent a year travelling across America with her best friend. In the process she confronts her past: her adolescence spent in total silence (as punishment for being "difficult"), the abuse she suffered from various members of the church, and her relationship with her parents, who are still members of the Children of God today.

Otter said: "This book has that rare and perfect combination: an utterly gripping (true) story and completely propulsive writing. We were all hooked from the first line, and I can’t wait to share Bexy’s story with the world."

Cameron said: "I still can’t wrap my head around putting this journey into a book, and to do it with 42 and Bonnier has just been the most incredible experience. They’ve pushed me, held me, encouraged me, and I am so excited for the release."

Platform One Media (a Boat Rocker company) has optioned Cult Following for a limited series adaptation, with "Fifty Shades" actress Dakota Johnson attached to star alongside Riley Keough. Johnson and Ro Donnelly will executive produce through TeaTime Pictures alongside Keough and Gina Gammell through Felix Culpa and Cameron.

"It has been a dream of ours since we launched TeaTime to collaborate with Riley and Gina at Felix Culpa," said Johnson and Donnelly. "We are beyond thrilled to join forces and friendship to bring Bexy's remarkable story to the screen. Alongside PlatformOne, we look forward to adding the final top-notch collaborators to the team."