W&N scoops 'gripping' crime novel from debut author Díaz

Weidenfeld & Nicolson has scooped a “thoughtful and gripping” Argentinian crime novel from debut author Eloísa Díaz in a pre-empt deal.

Federico Andornino, commissioning editor, acquired world English language rights Repentance from Maria Cardona at Pontas Literary & Film Agency. French rights were pre-empted by Carla Briner at Le Masque.

Set in Argentina over a dual timeframe, Repentance, follows Inspector Alzada in 1981, working under a military regime when his brother is disappeared, and also in 2001 when the inspector he is forced to confront the events of 20 years ago.

Andornino said: “It didn’t take me very long to fall for Eloísa’s novel, and when I did, I fell hard. Repentance is so much more than literary crime: it’s a thoughtful and gripping exploration of recent Argentinian history and a deeply affecting story about the price we are prepared to pay to save the people we hold most dear. Eloísa’s writing is as sharp as the café cortado Inspector Alzada loves to drink in the book, and it has the wit and warmth of Camilleri’s Montalbano novels. Darkly funny and deeply moving, this is a true gem.’

Díaz added: “The boundaries of the noir genre started out feeling like limitations but ended up being allies to frame the themes of violence as catalyst, collective responsibility, and individual redemption. I’m delighted to be working with Federico and the whole W&N team on this book.”

The book will be published in 2020 in hardback, export trade paperback, ebook and audio with the mass market paperback to follow in 2021.