Europa Editions UK has acquired its first title by a British writer, a historical fiction novel set in Japan from debut author Ben Byrne.
Director Daniela Petracco signed World English rights in the novel, titled Fire Flowers, from Carrie Plitt at Conville & Walsh.
Petracco said: “Fire Flowers is the best kind of historical fiction, the kind that completely transports you to a different place and time without revealing the depth of research behind it. It’s also beautifully written, and I couldn’t be happier that it has found a home at Europa”.
The novel has been described as “a vivid tale of loss, love, and the search for truth” set in post-World War Two Tokyo.
Byrne was born in London but later lived in San Francisco for several years. His work as an international market researcher and ethnographic film-maker took him to Japan, where he spent time exploring its history and culture.
Fire Flowers will be published simultaneously in UK and US in February 2015, ahead of the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in August 1945.
