Short Books pre-empts literary agent and author Zitwer’s Korean Book of Happiness

Short Books has signed The Korean Book of Happiness by agent and author of The J M Barrie Ladies Swimming Society (Short Books) Barbara Zitwer. 

Aurea Carpenter, co-founder of Short Books, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights directly from the author and will publish the book in March 2023. Martine Kolmeijer also acquired rights for Mo Media in Holland for publication in October 2022. 

Zitwer, who founded the Barbara J Zitwer Agency, told The Bookseller: “Over a decade ago, I discovered Korean literature and brought it to the attention of the world including Kyung-sook Shin, Han Kang, J M Lee, Kyung-ran Jo and translator Anton Hur.

“During the years, I have visited the country many times and become good friends with many of my authors – most especially Kyung-sook Shin, Man Asian Prize winner for Please Look After Mother and newly published Violets (W&N). She and I travelled all over the country where I learned many of the customs, philosophy and ways that Koreans think and live which has brought their country in only 60 years from poverty stricken to one of the richest countries in Asia.”

The book is “part memoir, part travel, part inspiration” and includes original recipes from famous Korean authors and friends. Zitwer said: “I’m very excited to share what I have learned about Korea and why I have fallen in love with this country and most of all its writers and people."

Carpenter added: “With great charm and verve, Zitwer takes us on a cultural tour of the country which today, thanks to their award-winning books, films, TV and music, is on everyone’s radar. Her book is a mixture of cultural wisdom, aesthetics, anecdote, etiquette and recipes, which celebrates the three philosophies that together make up the DNA of Korean life: grit, joy and caring. This is a Hygge for South Korea, which has much to teach us about living well.”