Scribner signs Steger Strong’s ‘stunning’ novel of a fractured family

Simon & Schuster UK has signed Lynn Steger Strong’s Flight, the story of a fractured family trying to move forward after a loved one dies and a local child goes missing. 

Judith Long, assistant fiction editor at Simon & Schuster UK, acquired the novel from Caspian Dennis at Abner Stein, on behalf of Sarah Bowlin at Aevitas Creative Management.  It will be published in November 2022 by Scribner in the UK and by Kate Nintzel at Mariner Books in the US.

The novel follows three adult siblings and their families as they gather for their first Christmas since the passing of their matriarch, and tensions rise as they question how to be a family and uphold traditions without her. But when a local child goes missing, the publisher synopsis continues, they are forced to come together.

Long said: “I read Lynn’s previous novel Want (Henry Holt) in lockdown, devouring it in a day, and Flight is every inch as wonderful and compassionate, with characters who feel deeply authentic. 

“Lynn’s trademark observations about life really strike a chord. Through this fractured family trying to find their way forward, she explores the fragility and power of human connection, as well as themes of art, ambition, privilege and survival. Flight is such a stunning novel and I can’t wait to share it with UK readers.”

The author added: “I’m so very thrilled to be working with Judith and the whole Scribner team. I’ve so long admired this list and am honoured to have Flight be a part of it.”