Transworld pre-empts Hewlett’s ‘darkly fascinating’ feminist retelling of Medea

Transworld has pre-empted Medea by Rosie Hewlett, a “darkly fascinating” feminist retelling that sheds new light on one of mythology’s most formidable women. 

Lara Stevenson, assistant editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights for two books from Jemima Forrester at David Higham Associates. Medea will publish in hardback, e-book and audio in spring 2024. 

The publisher said: “Medea’s story has been relegated to the footnotes of the myth of Jason and the Argonauts – until now. Medea is a bold, sharp and accessible novel that gives voice to a notorious sorceress while also taking readers on an epic journey full of love, betrayal, battles and revenge.” 

Hewlett has a degree in classical literature and civilisation from the University of Birmingham. Her self-published début novel, Medusa, won the Rubery Book of the Year Award in 2021.   

She said: “It truly is a dream come true to partner with Transworld. I have always been captivated by Medea’s story, by her darkness but also the light that I believe exists within her, and all the fascinatingly complex shades in between. I am thrilled that Lara believes as much as I do that Medea’s voice deserves to be heard. Also, a big thank you to Jemima, my agent, who has always been cheering the loudest for me.” 

Stevenson added: “There is an undeniable demand for Greek myth retellings, and Medea’s story is as relevant today as ever. Previously, she has been defined through her relationships with men, but Rosie has given Medea a voice and illuminated her multifaceted character. This breathtaking and heart-breaking novel had me in its grasp from the first line, and I can’t wait for readers to discover the story within its pages.” 

In other territories, Italian rights have sold to Sperling at auction and Dutch rights have been snapped up by Uitgeverij Orlando. Czech and Spanish rights are currently under offer.