Penguin Michael Joseph acquires a 'luscious and spellbinding' sapphic retelling by Jean Menzies

Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired historian and writer Jean Menzies’ The Lady of the Lake, a "luscious and spellbinding" sapphic retelling of the myths of Camelot.

Senior editor Ruth Atkins purchased world rights in all languages from Emily Glenister at DHH Literary Agency, and the novel will be published on 15th May 2025.

"The Lady of the Lake brings a feminist twist to the Arthurian legends, and awakens an entrancing sapphic romance between the Northern enchantress Viviane, the Lady of the Lake, and King Arthur’s strong-willed sister, Morgan Le Faye," the synopsis says. "Lady Viviane leaves the lakes of the far North, tasked with capturing the heart and hand of Camelot’s young prince, Arthur. But it is Arthur’s sister Morgan who captures Viviane’s eye [...] But in this kingdom eyes are everywhere and no one is as they seem. And when Arthur pulls the legendary sword from the stone, his closest allies will do all they can to tear Viviane and Morgan apart."

Menzies said: "Everything about my experience of writing and editing The Lady of the Lake has surpassed the hopes of closeted teenage Jean who dreamed of one day writing novels for someone just like her. The Lady of the Lake, while an elusive character, is a fascinating one, woefully overlooked by most modern media. Here I have imagined a version of her story inspired by the medieval Arthurian romances that celebrates sapphic love."

Glenister said: "Though centuries old, the tale of the Lady of the Lake continues to excite and intrigue, and Jean’s personal spin on it catapults the story to another level."

Atkins added: "Jean’s luscious, spellbinding retelling brings a bold new perspective to the myths of Camelot, told with lyrical wit and heart-tugging emotion. We were as captivated by the beautiful sapphic love story at this book’s heart as we were by its brave and unforgettable heroines, who craft a new way of life in a world built for men."