Viking lands 'gripping' new novel from Ganeshananthan at auction

Viking has landed a “gripping” novel about a young Tamil woman living through the Sri Lankan civil war by V V Ganeshananthan.

Isabel Wall, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Brotherless Night from Stephanie Cabot at Susanna Lea Associates following a two-way auction. North American rights sold to Caitlin McKenna at Random House. It will publish in 2023.  

The synopsis says: “Sixteen-year-old Sashi wants to become a doctor. But over the next decade, as a vicious civil war subsumes Sri Lanka, her dream takes her on a different path as she watches those around her, including her four beloved brothers and their best friend, get swept up in violent political ideologies and their consequences. She must ask herself: is it possible for anyone to move through life without doing harm?” 

Wall said: “I was blown away by the sheer force of Brotherless Night, a captivating, morally complex novel about human resilience and compassion. Fans of Pachinko (Head of Zeus) will love this book. V V Ganeshananthan is an extraordinary writer and I’m thrilled to be bringing her to Viking.” 

Ganeshananthan added: “I couldn’t be more excited that Brotherless Night has found its UK and Commonwealth home at Viking. I’m honoured to work with Isabel and to join the incredible roster of Viking authors, which includes so many writers I admire.” 

Ganeshananthan’s debut, Love Marriage (W&N), was longlisted for the Women’s Prize in 2008. Her work has appeared in Granta, the New York Times and the Atlantic.