The Borough Press pre-empts ‘electrifying’ gender-fluid Eros and Psyche retelling

Carolina De Robertis’ gender-fluid retelling of the myth of Eros and Psyche, The Palace of Eros, has been pre-empted by The Borough Press.

Suzie Dooré, editor at large, pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Allison Malecha and Michelle Brower at Trellis Literary, with Michelle Herrera Mulligan at Atria also pre-empting North American rights. The book is scheduled to publish in summer 2024 into both markets.

The Palace of Eros reframes Eros as a daughter to Aphrodite, not a son, and gives her the ability to change her gender at will. When Psyche is offered up to a "monstrous husband" to appease Aphrodite’s envy at her beauty, she discovers that her "husband" is in fact female – but Eros only visits her new bride under cover of darkness and will not permit her face to be seen. Overwhelmed by love, lust and curiosity, Psyche is tempted to break her vow and sneak a look by lamplight.

De Robertis, a Uruguayan-American writer born in the UK, is the author of five previous novels including Cantoras and The Gods of Tango (Vintage). They recently received the 41st John Dos Passos Prize which is awarded annually to an American author who "experiments with form, explores a range of voices and deserves more recognition".

Dooré said: “When I first heard the premise for The Palace of Eros, I have never registered interest so speedily. Carolina has taken one of the great myths and made it utterly and uniquely their own, in such an effortless and compelling way that I couldn’t quite believe that nobody had thought before to play with Eros’ gender. This beautifully crafted and hugely intelligent book breathes new life into a popular genre.”

De Robertis said: “I’m thrilled beyond measure to be joining The Borough Press, and for this book to have found such a bold and wonderful home. This particular myth has swum in the back of my consciousness for 25 years, since I first started making my way in the world as a young queer person who wanted to be whole and free. I wrote this novel with a heart full of love for the world, and for anyone and everyone who has longed to live outside the box. I can’t wait to share it with UK communities."

Brower added: “Carolina De Robertis has long been a tremendous voice in literature, and their voyage into the myth of Psyche and Eros represents an electrifying new departure in their body of work. We’re delighted to partner with The Borough Press on this exciting new chapter.”