Penguin Michael Joseph lands French 'phenomenon' The Anomaly

Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired French novel The Anomaly by Hervé le Tellier, winner of the 2020 Prix Goncourt Prize. 

Publisher Joel Richardson and editor Grace Long acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Charlotte Seymour at Andrew Nurnberg Associates, on behalf of The Other Press. It will be published by Penguin Michael Joseph in hardback in January 2022

The novel follows several passengers aboard a flight from Paris to New York, whose lives are forever changed by the anomalous event that occurs when they hit unexpected turbulence. The plane doubles – for every person on board that day, there are now two; a double with the same body, same mind, and same memories. When it’s time for the doubles to meet, "they must confront their extraordinary fate". 

The Anomaly spent 16 consecutive weeks at number one in the French charts, selling more than one million copies and rights have been sold in 40 countries, the publisher said.

Richardson commented: "The Anomaly is nothing less than a phenomenon, and it’s easy to see why. Combining big ideas with a gripping story that’s impossible to put down, it’s like nothing else I’ve ever read. I’m sure it will delight readers around the world."

Long added: "I’m incredibly excited to bring this sensational, genre-defying novel to UK readers. In The Anomaly, Hervé has merged literary high-concept and page-turning readability in way that leaves me with no doubt as to why the novel has received so many accolades from readers and reviewers alike."

Le Tellier said: “I’ve been stunned by the success of The Anomaly, and am delighted that British readers will discover my novel with this Penguin Michael Joseph edition."