Trapeze scoops second Whitaker novel

Trapeze has scooped a second novel from journalist Helen Whitaker about a couple who give their marriage one final chance against all odds.

Editorial director Phoebe Morgan acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Sarah Hornsley at the Bent Agency to I Give It A Year. It will be published in paperback, e-book and audio in 2021.

Whitaker, former entertainment director of Glamour and current deputy editor at British Airways High Life magazine, is the author of this year’s The School Run (Trapeze).

She said: “I was really interested in exploring what happens when the meet-cute has given way to long-term marriage and the combination of young children, ageing parents, dark humour and mental load that comes with it. So I asked how you find yourself again when you barely have time put a wash on, and if you can find your way back to each other when your relationship explodes. I'm so excited that I'm getting to write this story for Trapeze."

Morgan added: “Helen is one of the funniest writers around and she captures family life so, so well. Her books are realistic, relatable and utterly brilliant. I Give It A Year asks the crucial question – can you fall in love with the same person twice? And how many chances should one couple get?”