New Zealand novel for The Friday Project

• 24.01.14 | Caroline Carpenter - The Bookseller

The Friday Project has bought a "whimsical" debut from New Zealand novelist Janina Matthewson, titled Of Things Gone Astray. Scott Pack acquired world rights directly from the author.

Pack said the Matthewson created "magical worlds" in the book. The publisher compared the novel, about a group of characters that all discover that they’ve lost something special to them, to the work of Andrew Kaufman.

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Matthewson moved to London following the earthquake, an event which is pivotal in her novel. A trained actress, she has also written for the stage and screen. Her first play, Human and If, was performed at The Tea House Theatre in London.

Of Things Gone Astray will be published in paperback in August 2014.