#Merky Books lures back Derek Owusu in pre-empt

#Merky Books has pre-empted The Recovery House and another novel, The Potters House by Derek Owusu in a two-book deal.

Helen Conford, publisher and Joelle Owusu-Sekyere, editorial director of #Merky Books, acquired world all-language rights from Jason Morgan and Crystal Mahey-Morgan at OWN IT! London. #Merky Books will publish the first of the two novels in 2026.

The Recovery House follows the plight of a young man who finds himself in a recovery house after a breakdown, trying to navigate his immediate surroundings and the inter-personal dynamics with those he is currently sharing a space with.

The publisher said: “While tussling with his newfound circumstance on a micro level, the young man also goes on an emotional and philosophical journey, as he irreverently searches for deeper meanings in love, life, friendship, and self.”

#Merky Books published That Reminds Me, Owusu’s debut novel in 2019, which won the Desmond Elliot Prize. Since then, he was named on the prestigious Granta list of Best Young British Novelists in 2023, among appearing on many other award lists, such as the Dylan Thomas and Jhalak Prize. He has been published by Canongate and Transworld as well as And Other Stories in the US.

Owusu said: “#Merky Books launched my writing career back in 2019 and what a feeling it is to return to where it started, invigorated by the thought that I have developed and learned so much from the places I’ve been and stories I’ve written in between, confident I have many more stories to tell and certain there is still more to learn from the team, headed by Joelle Owusu and Helen Conford. My #Merky story continues.”

Owusu-Sekyere said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be publishing Derek once again and to welcome him back to #Merky Books with open arms. Derek’s writing has long been a source of admiration for me, showcasing his unparalleled mastery of the pen. The Recovery House is not just an exceptional novel; it is a monumental leap in his literary journey.

“This novel, centred on themes of recovery and self-rediscovery, stands as his finest work to date. This homecoming is a momentous occasion for all of us, and we are brimming with excitement to share The Recovery House with the world."

Owusu-Sekyere added: "Derek is undeniably a leading literary voice whose work deeply resonates with #Merky Books readers and beyond. Our ambitions for Derek are grand and far-reaching, as we are committed to fostering his growth into a key literary voice with enduring impact in our culture. We envision a future where Derek’s work continues to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.”