Verve Books to publish inaugural short story collection by Uche Okonkwo

Verve Books is set to publish its first short story collection having acquired Uche Okonkwo’s A Kind of Madness.

The publisher describes the collection of 10 stories set in Nigeria as an “unflinching” exploration of “community expectations, familial strife and the struggle for survival”. A Kind of Madness will be published as a paperback original in January 2025.

Editorial director Jenna Gordon acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada Nigeria and Anglophone West Africa, from Rachel Clements at Abner Stein on behalf of Renée Zuckerbrot at Massie & McQuilkin. 

The US rights were acquired by Tin House and Tantor Audio, while Nigeria and Anglophone West Africa rights are with Narrative Landscape, and the audiobook will be produced by W F Howes.

Okonkwo said: “I’m very excited that A Kind of Madness has found a home with Verve Books. I appreciate the warmth and enthusiasm of the Verve team, and their commitment to bringing these stories to the UK. I hope this book will connect with a range of audiences in the UK, including Nigerian and African readers, and all lovers of short stories.”

Gordon said: “Okwonko’s debut collection undoubtedly establishes her as a rising talent in literary fiction. The stories in A Kind of Madness are universal in their specificity, so easy to connect with but as multi-layered and unforgettable as the characters they depict. We’re proud to be launching the collection in the UK.”