S&S acquires Dix memoir

Simon & Schuster Australia (S&S) has acquired world rights to The Promise, the memoir of Arnold Dix, an international barrister, scientist and engineer who spearheaded the rescue of 41 trapped workers in the Himalayan mountains in November 2023.

The workers were trapped in a collapsed tunnel that linked major religious sites. According to the publisher: ‘It was a life and death situation, and as he bowed before a makeshift temple outside the stricken tunnel, [Dix] famously promised that the 41 trapped workers would be home safe for Christmas.’

‘His humbleness and his technical expertise in science, engineering and law were coupled with the heightened spirituality of the Diwali rescue,’ S&S said. ‘The mountain itself became a teacher during the rescue, and the team had to adapt their tactics as they drilled into the mountainside to free the trapped workers’.

‘But there is so much more to Arnold Dix. From being the elected president of the peak advisory body on the underground for the United Nations; to investigating train tunnels beneath Ground Zero just weeks after 9/11; to working on both the London and Madrid bombings, Arnold’s story is one of unwavering courage and unexpected twists,’ said S&S. ‘With themes of adventure, sacrifice and selflessness, Arnold’s story delves into the heart of what it means to push boundaries and challenge the status quo in the quest to make the impossible possible.’

‘I am still getting used to a new label that has been attached to me–hero,’ said Dix. ‘I do not see myself as a hero, though. Not even close. I am simply a guy who had a few skills, who knew a couple of things, and felt like he could help in a difficult situation. In reality, I am a pretty normal guy. My only superpowers are the ability to remain calm and think clearly, and an overwhelming motivation to be kind. So, here I am, writing a book about the experience, about my experiences, and about the things that the rescue has taught me.’

‘Arnold Dix’s story is incredibly inspirational,’ said S&S nonfiction publisher Emma Nolan. ‘His acts of kindness demonstrate that with compassion, teamwork and a genuine spirit of generosity, even the most seemingly impossible outcomes can be achieved.’

S&S plans to publish The Promise: How an Everyday Hero Made the Impossible Possible in February 2025.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions