One More Chapter scoops novel inspired by real life Nigerian princess

HarperCollins UK division, One More Chapter, has acquired world all language rights to A Nurse’s Tale and one additional title by Ola Awonubi. 

Publishing director Charlotte Ledger acquired rights direct from the author herself after collaborating with Nancy Adimora, former talent and acquisitions manager at HarperCollins, to find a writer for the project. The book will publish in e-book, audio and print this summer and is a global priority for the division.

A Nurse’s Tale tells the story of real life Nigerian Princess Adenrele Ademola, who trained as a midwife and volunteered at Guy’s Hospital, London, during the Blitz. The dual timeline historical novel will cover Princess Adenrele’s time at the hospital during the Second World War as well a contemporary storyline featuring Yemi, a young Nigerian woman, who discovers the Princess’ diaries.

Awonubi said: “Getting a two-book deal from One More Chapter was a childhood dream come true! Working with my editor Charlotte; her enthusiasm for the story, her love for the characters and their stories was inspiring and supportive. The opportunity to tell this story from the standpoint of my Yoruba heritage made it all the more special.”

Ledger added: “From discovering Princess Adenrele’s story to working with an author of Ola’s talent, this has been a truly special project to work on. There is still a huge appetite for stories of the Second World War in the global market but what makes this one stand out is that for so long this remarkable woman’s contribution to Britain and the war effort has been largely forgotten. Princess Adenerele’s voice – through Ola – is a voice that needs to be heard by readers all over the world. Huge thanks to Nancy Adimora for introducing me to Ola and supporting this book from the beginning. ”

Awonubi was born in London to Nigerian parents. In 2008 her short story “The Pink House”, won first prize in the National Words of Colour Competition. This was followed by another story, “The Go-Slow Journey”, winning the first prize in the Wasafiri New Writing Prize 2009. Her short stories have featured on blogs, journals and anthologies such as African Writing online, Afreada, The Ake Review, Wasafiri, Brittle Paper and Woman Alive. Her two books, Love’s Persuasion and Love Me Unconditionally, were published by Ankara Press – the romance imprint of Cassava Press. She has also self-published a collection of short stories – Naija Love Stories by Conscious Dreams Publishing as well as a romance titled Lovers, Leavers and Keepers.