Manilla Press snares Bergman's ‘fierce’ tale of witchcraft in two-book deal

Manilla Press, the literary imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman in a two-book deal.  

Margaret Stead, publisher, acquired world English-language and translation rights from Marianne Gunn O’Connor at the Marianne Gunn O’Connor Agency. It will be published in January 2023.

Set in Vardø on the Varanger peninsula in Norway during the witch trials of the 17th century and based on true events, the publisher says that at the heart of the story is a group of women accused of witchcraft and brutalised by the men in power. It added: “This is a propulsive, epic, feminist book about women, motherhood, female power, brutality and salvation.”  

Stead said: “The Witches of Vardø is a fierce, feminist look at male power and misogyny at the time of the witch trials of the 17th century. Anya’s novel gripped us all: [it] is a story of danger, intrigue and female empowerment with a clever and surprising twist in its tail. We’re all very excited to be working with Anya on this compelling novel and a second to come the following year."

Bergman added: "I am thrilled to have found the perfect home for The Witches of Vardø at Manilla Press. The team is incredibly talented and dedicated and I know they will do a fantastic job bringing my story to life. I am so grateful to my agent Marianne Gunn O’Connor for believing in me and my passion project about the witch trials of Norway and for bringing my work to readers all over the world.”   

Gunn O’Connor called the novel "brilliant" and said it promises to captivate readers as it "tells the story of deep-rooted fear [and] themes that will resonate with women worldwide today”.

She added: “I am beyond thrilled that the wonderful Margaret Stead and Kate Parkin and all the fabulous team at Bonnier are shepherding Anya Bergman and these witches out into the world.”