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Verve Books nets Howarth's 'visceral' debut
Independent Verve Books has netted Chloe Michelle Howarth’s "scorching" debut novel, Sunburn.
Editor Jenna Gordon acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Hannah Weatherill at Northbank Talent Management. The novel will be published in June 2023.
Set in rural Ireland in the 1990s, Sunburn is an "atmospheric" love story and an "LGBTQIA+ coming-of-age" novel. The publisher said: "Howarth offers an astute and tender portrayal of first love, adolescent anxiety and the realities of growing up in a small town where tradition holds people tightly in its grasp."
Sunburn was also featured as an Evening Standard’s "One to Watch" in 2023.
"I feel I’ve found a great home for Sunburn with Verve, who are excited about LGBTQIA+ literature and take it seriously," said Howarth. "I’m hoping the book will connect with queer people, Irish people and anybody looking for some ’90s nostalgia."
Gordon added: "As sizzling and visceral as the title suggests, Sunburn is set to be a fantastic summer debut, and we’re excited to be providing a platform for a brand-new voice in literary fiction."
