Transworld lands 'triumphant' debut novel from journalist Frizzell

Transworld has landed journalist Nell Frizzell's "magnificently observed" debut novel. 

Sally Williamson, acting editorial director, bought UK and Commonwealth rights for Square One and another novel from Zoe Ross at United Agents. Square One will be published by Bantam Press in hardback, e-book and audio in June 2022.

The synopsis says: "When 32-year-old Hanna’s life falls apart, her only option is move back into her childhood bedroom. Back at square one when all her peers are getting married, buying homes and having children, she must figure out how to move forward. But how is she supposed to do that when she’s living with her father who thinks that it’s perfectly acceptable to discuss his foray into Tinder at the dinner table."

Frizzell has written for the Guardian, VICE, the Telegraph and Elle among many others. Her first non-fiction book, The Panic Years (Bantam Press), was published in hardback in 2021. She has a podcast of the same title.

Williamson said: "There’s no question that Nell is an amazingly talented writer as her journalism and non-fiction will attest. But to write a novel can be quite a different matter and I’m thrilled that Nell’s first venture into fiction proves she’s a master in this area too. Magnificently observed, gloriously real and unashamedly honest, Square One is a triumphant debut and one I absolutely can’t wait to publish."

Frizzell added: "I have never, in all my years as a writer, had more fun than I had writing this novel. Every single day it was pure pleasure to sit down at my computer and dive into the lives of Hanna and Iain; their kitchen arguments, their toothpaste diplomacy, their through-the-wall night noise horror, their heartbreaks and their affection. And, for those that are worrying, it made my dad laugh too."