William Collins scoops 'major' new book from Forna in 'substantial' deal

William Collins has scooped a "major" new book by Aminatta Forna in a “substantial” deal. 

Arabella Pike, publishing director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Rift from David Godwin. Grove Atlantic will publish in the US. It is slated for publication in 2024.  

Rift begins with the premise that everything you need to know about the world, its history, evolution, its present and future, is contained in the African Rift Valley and Great Lakes region. It is where mankind was born, where the greatest variety and adaptation of fauna and flora occur and is a part of the world that has undergone five great climate changes. It is a place where we can see how land, climate and geography intertwine with human development and how this could hold the key to our collective future. 

Pike said: “Aminatta has been writing and making films about the African continent for three decades—from her prize-winning The Devil That Danced on the Water (HarperCollins) to ’Through African Eyes’ and ’Africa Unmasked’. Rift is a vastly ambitious, original work of nonfiction—an Arctic Dreams of Africa. We are so proud to be publishing and cannot wait for this seminal book to be out in the world.” 

Forna added: “This project is borne of a passion for the African continent and its overlooked histories. I’m delighted to be back at William Collins who published my first book and I’m excited to be working with Arabella Pike. This is my dream team.”