The buzz around Petra Rautiainen’s debut novel LAND OF SNOW AND ASHES continues as Editions du Seuil has acquired the French rights.
“The book is compelling, harsh by moments but heartful and very well written. I was enthralled by Inkeri’s quest, and both timelines are well constructed and fascinating. The author manages to draw complex characters, describe an amazing land and deal with such a difficult topic.
I haven’t read such a brilliant and original historical novel for a while.”– Benédicte Lombardo, Publishing Director, Editions du Seuil
Since its release in mid-August LAND OF SNOW AND ASHES has made headlines as the first Finnish debut novel where English translation rights have been sold before publication, highlighted by both The Bookseller and Publishing Perspectives. The novel has successfully reached readers in Finland as it rocketed up to number 5 on the bestselling list for August. Now the book is on its fourth print run.
Another recent country to come on-board is Sweden, Norstedts acquiring Swedish rights.
So far, the translation rights are sold to publishers in nine languages:
Pushkin Press (English / UK & Australia)
Suhrkamp (German)
Seuil (French)
Marsilio Editori (Italian, 2 book deal)
Meridiaan Uitgevers (Dutch, 2 book deal)
Norstedts (Swedish)
Gyldendal Norsk (Norwegian, 2 book deal)
Modtryk (Danish, 2 book deal)
Europakiadó (Hungarian)
The novel has also been shortlisted for three different literary prizes including the 2020 Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize, the Book of the Year by Finnish bookstore Suomalainen Kirjakauppa and most recently the Savonia prize.