The London Book Fair showcases upcoming book-to-screen opportunities, featuring adaptations from notable authors and new voices. Highlights include Adam Kay’s ‘A Particularly Nasty Case’, Matthew Quirk’s ‘The Method’, and others ready for potential screen adaptations.
As the London Book Fair approaches, many adapted novels are anticipated to make waves in the book-to-screen industry. Notably, authors of popular works such as ‘This is Going to Hurt’, ‘The Atlas Six’, and ‘The Night Agent’ will showcase new titles that could become future adaptations. Film and TV executives are already in London, ready to explore potential projects.
1. ‘A Particularly Nasty Case’ – Adam Kay (Orion)
This debut novel by Adam Kay, known for ‘This is Going to Hurt’, is set in a hospital and follows Doctor Eitan Rose uncovering the mystery behind a consultant’s heart attack. Although the book releases in six months, its popularity might spark interest for a TV adaptation due to Kay’s previous success.
2. ‘The Method’ – Matthew Quirk (Morrow)
Matthew Quirk is back with ‘The Method’, featuring an actress who must apply her training when her friend goes missing after risky interactions. Pitched as a blend of ‘Alias’ and ‘Little Drummer Girl’, this book may attract adaptation offers during the fair, as Quirk also has a busy production pipeline.
3. ‘Girl Dinner’ – Janet Change (WME)
Janet Change’s novel, described as a mix of ‘Emily in Paris’ and ‘The Bear’, follows a personal assistant who takes on her deceased boss’s identity at a culinary school in Paris. This whimsical and dramatic story is expected to catch the attention of producers, alongside a darker version of the same name stirring interest in female-focused narratives.
4. ‘Broken Toys’ – Marie-Claire Chappet (Peters Fraser + Dunlop)
Marie-Claire Chappet’s debut explores the lives of two students at a Scottish university in the mid-2000s, highlighting themes of toxic relationships and identity. This timely story resonates with younger audiences and may soon be courted for screen adaptation by production companies.
5. ‘Everybody Loves Our Dollars: How Money Laundering Won’ – Oliver Bullough (Weidenfeld & Nicholson)
Oliver Bullough’s investigation into global money laundering connects various illicit activities across continents. With a premise akin to the BBC’s ‘McMafia’, this insightful narrative, though released next year, could become a compelling adaptation due to its timely subject matter.
6. ‘Pixie’ – Jill Dawson (Bloomsbury)
‘Pixie’ tells the tale of artist Pamela Colman Smith, renowned for her tarot illustrations. Given the current trend for historical narratives about remarkable women, this story stands out and may garner significant interest among producers during the fair.
7. ‘The Original Daughter’ – Jemimah Wei (Weidenfeld, UK; Doubleday, US)
Jemimah Wei’s debut novel, focusing on two sisters navigating their complex relationship in working-class Singapore, has already received high praise. With a rising interest in female-centric stories from Asia, it’s poised to attract eager buyers at the London Book Fair.
The upcoming London Book Fair is set to spotlight several noteworthy book-to-screen adaptations. With promising titles from established authors and emerging talents, the fair will likely foster discussions around these literary works transitioning onto screens. As producers pursue captivating stories, this event will serve as a crucial meeting point for industry insiders.
Original Source: deadline.com