Waiting for Godden: Mrs Death Misses Death paperback cover reveal + October book tour dates, BBC radio shows and more...

Hello my dears,

Happy Octoberries. Happy Autumn Equinox. Happy National Poetry Day. Happy Black History Month. Happy Season of the Witch... So, look what what came in the post today. A glimmer of hope. A wolf howling in the dark. A blue star ... I have received the artwork of the paperback of my debut novel with permission to share it and say: Hey my friends, here's my beautiful book, this is the paperback book cover! What do you think? I love the deep lapis BLUE, do you? This beautiful design is by Gill Heely. Thank you Gill, Canongate Art Department and all the Canongate team.

This book has been described as “intoxicating and life-affirming” and in The Bookseller as “an original, exuberant novel, freewheeling from prose to poetry to non fiction, truly one of a kind.” A documentary following the work-in-progress over a year was broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Canongate published the hardback of Mrs Death Misses Death in January 2021 to high acclaim and it has been shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize; the winner will be announced this month, October 14th 2021. Film and TV rights to this unique novel have been taken by Idris Elba and his production company Green Door Pictures. Commenting on the deal, Idris Elba said: "Mrs Death Misses Death feels like an instant classic, with an intoxicating story that crosses time and continents. I was immediately drawn to Salena’s writing and am humbled and excited to have the opportunity to bring her brilliant words to life on screen."

"At the heart of the novel lies the friendship between Wolf, a troubled young black working class writer and Death who Godden personifies as female. Wolf becomes her scribe and begins to write Mrs Death’s reminiscences and memoirs. Using their desk as a vessel and conduit, Wolf and Death time-travel to witness deaths of past and present and discuss what the future holds for our humanity. As Godden swoops between literary forms in Mrs Death and Wolf’s interactions, they spark questions about class, race, gender and mental health. And ultimately, while mortality lies at the heart of the novel, Mrs Death Misses Death is a bold and visionary affirmation of hope, resilience and love."

Canongate publish the beautiful blue paperback edition of Mrs Death Misses Death January 2022 - You can pre-order the paperback now

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https://www.waterstones.com

“A thought-provoking novel that travels across time and place to question the value of life, the experiences of womanhood, and grief in all its forms.” The Observer

“Celebratory and life-affirming, aglow with love, fortitude and compassion.” Mail on Sunday

“Lyrical, abstract and utterly original.” iPaper

“A defining, animating force” Daily Mail

“Lyrical, powerful and definitely one you need to read” Stylist

“Unusual and thought-provoking” Daily Mirror

“Godden’s writing bypasses tired adages, zooming in on specifics that become loaded and devastating. … Mrs Death Misses Death is both a balm to a bad year and a reassuring accompaniment to a new one.” Irish Times

“Unlike any other book I’ve ever read … I will be shouting from my window to anyone who can hear me; Mrs Death Misses Death is a masterpiece of modern literature.”The F-Word