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Penguin Michael Joseph signs Lucy Shepherd's story of her 'epic' jungle crossing
Penguin Michael Joseph has signed Lucy Shepherd’s story of her "epic" 400km crossing of the Guyanese jungle. Publishing director Rowland White acquired world rights in all languages from Courtneay Mann at Insanity Talent Management. The book will tell the story of how she and her small Amerindian team completed their "unprecedented" 50-day trek through thick rainforest. During the journey, she had to overcome "hunger, exhaustion, injury, illness, merciless terrain and the constant attention of deadly bushmaster snakes".
Shepherd was inspired by reading a Bear Grylls book as a teenager, when she decided she wanted to become an explorer herself. Over the past 14 years, she has led expeditions through jungles, deserts, arctic and mountains across six continents, was elected to become a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society at 23 and is the youngest council member of the Scientific Exploration Society. She has also recently had a two-part series on Channel 4.
Shepherd said: "I’m over the moon to join the Penguin Michael Joseph family. This story will tell the tale of the years that led to this life-changing adventure. It will weave together the hardships, persistence and triumphs of our journey that resulted in lifelong friendships between myself and my team. Partnering with a publisher that understands the essence of adventure narratives to a broad audience with a universal approach, is a dream come true. I can’t wait to bring the wilds of the jungle to life on these pages. I hope to inspire others to face their own challenges and respect our natural world while reaching the spirit of exploration that connects us all."
White said: "Lucy’s spirit, curiosity and enthusiasm are irresistible, and her sense of adventure, bravery and fortitude inspiring, but what comes across most is her love of what she’s doing. Even better, she’s a fantastically warm, engaging and vivid writer whose adventures just leap off the page. Penguin has a rich tradition of publishing some of the very best adventure books ever written. I’m so excited that Lucy’s book will be taking its place among them."
