HarperCollins acquires McKinnon’s second novel

HarperCollins has acquired world rights to Catherine McKinnon’s second novel, The Great Time, via Jeanne Ryckmans at the Cameron Creswell Agency.

Set during World War II, The Great Time follows six characters in the lead-up to the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan in August 1945, and was prompted by McKinnon’s own family history.

HarperCollins head of fiction Catherine Milne says: ‘The Great Time promises to be extraordinary; an ambitious, moving and powerful novel of war and people. As Catherine McKinnon asks: “How can one person make a difference in a world that is wondrous, thrilling and endangered? How does fear shape our behaviour and affect our moral being? What is unforgivable? And what must be forgiven?”’

McKinnon is the author of Storyland (Fourth Estate), which was shortlisted for this year’s Miles Franklin Literary Award, the Barbara Jefferis Award and the Voss Literary Prize. Screen rights to Storyland have recently been optioned by a major production house in a deal negotiated by Anthony Blair.

The Great Time is scheduled for publication in March 2021.

Tags: Catherine McKinnonHarperCollins

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions