Hera Books acquires the sequel to Awais Khan’s In the Company of Strangers
A for Authors Agency Ltd is delighted to announce that Hera Books has acquired IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE, the sequel to Awais Khan’s acclaimed novel In the Company of Strangers. Keshini Naidoo, co-founder and publisher of Hera Books, bought World English Language rights (excluding audio, India and the sub-continent) from Annette Crossland at A for Authors Agency Ltd.
IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE jumps a decade into the future and continues the story of Mona whose now tranquil life is turned upside down when she gets a mysterious text message.
Keshini Naidoo said: “I have long been a fan of Awais’ beautifully lyrical writing, and his multi-layered and thought-provoking novels really shine a light on communities in Pakistan that are so often closed off to the western reader. When Hera was given the chance to re-publish In The Company of Strangers in 2022, we were absolutely delighted to bring this incredible book to a wider audience, and we could not be more thrilled to be publishing the sequel in Autumn 2024. With his complex characterisation and accessible yet erudite plotting, this is a book that readers will be thinking about long after they turn the final pages, and we are so proud to be the publisher for this important and timely read.”
Awais Khan said: “When I was writing In the Company of Strangers, I could never have dreamed that it would go on to find such a dedicated readership, both in the UK and the Indian subcontinent, and that readers would yearn to know what happens next to their beloved protagonist. Hera Books reissued the book with flair in 2022 and they are, without a doubt, the perfect publisher for the sequel. It is a joy to work with Keshini Naidoo and Iain Millar who have understood the book and its characters from the start.”
Annette Crossland said: “I am absolutely delighted that Hera will be publishing this long-awaited sequel to IN THE COMPANY OF STRANGERS. Mona’s legion of fans across the world will be so excited to read her continuing story ten years on.”
First published in 2019, In the Company of Strangers was reissued by Hera Books in the UK in 2022. It is published by Simon & Schuster India, Liberty Books Pakistan and in audio by Isis Audio. The sequel IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE will be published by Hera Books in 2024.
All press enquiries to Kate Shepherd, Hera Books kate@canelo.co
All translation enquiries to Emily Randle emily@randleeditorial.co.uk