Trapeze wins Tweneboa's 'rallying manifesto' in seven-way auction

Trapeze has triumphed in a seven-way auction for a "rallying manifesto" by social housing activist and campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa.

Katie Packer, editorial director of Trapeze non-fiction, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Our Country in Crisis from Anna Dixon at YMU. The book will be published in hardback, e-book and audiobook, narrated by the author, on 18th July 2024.

"Kwajo Tweneboa has been on the frontline of the social housing crisis, bringing awareness to the poor conditions of disrepair many of our most vulnerable are forced to live with," the synopsis says. "He knows better than anyone the brutal realities the UK is facing, from the decimation of our welfare services to the rising poverty rates as the cost-of-living crisis continues."

It adds: "Through documenting his first-hand experiences and speaking to Grenfell survivors, Awaab Ishak’s parents and many others, he wants to show the human truths of our crisis behind the chilling statistics. This is how we rebuild.

"From living in disrepair himself and experiencing the neglect from the systems designed to protect, he has gone on to advise government officials on policy, and has become a fierce activist and advocate for the unheard in our society. In his debut book, he looks at inspiring case studies from countries getting it right and gives clear direction for how we can create meaningful change and fix the crisis before it gets any worse."

Packer said: "I’ve been following Kwajo since he went viral in 2020 and the force of his advocacy is something to behold. His activism and honesty are forcing those in power to listen and his hope for the future is contagious. One of the most important voices and game-changers of the 21st century, Kwajo’s book has the potential to really drive change. We are incredibly proud to be publishing him at Trapeze."

Tweneboa added: "This book has been a real journey for me, it’s forced me to reflect on my story, including the grief and anger I’ve felt. It’s also allowed me to clarify my own thoughts on the current state of the UK and the real-life consequences neglect and disrepair has had on people’s lives. I don’t have a degree in politics but what I do have is lived experience and I’ve been a first-hand witness to how destructive policies can be on the unheard and the marginalised.

"Our Country in Crisis is an opportunity to hear from the voices that matter, the voices of people otherwise ignored. It’s my manifesto for political and societal change and documents one of the hardest points in my life so far. I want this book to inspire passion, rage and hope so we can rebuild our society, brick by brick."