Verve Books is poised to make its debut in short story collections with Uche Okonkwo’s “A Kind of Madness,” per thebookseller.com. The collection, set in Nigeria, comprises ten stories that offer an unflinching look at community expectations, familial strife and the struggle for survival. This paperback original is set for publication in January 2025.
Jenna Gordon, Verve’s editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada, Nigeria and Anglophone West Africa) from Rachel Clements at Abner Stein, representing Renée Zuckerbrot at Massie & McQuilkin. Tin House and Tantor Audio secured US rights, while Nigeria and Anglophone West Africa rights went to Narrative Landscape, with the audiobook to be produced by W F Howes.
Okonkwo expressed her excitement, saying, “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 praised Okonkwo’s debut, stating, “Okonkwo’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.”
