Orenda Books signs German school teacher’s glorious debut novel Tasting Sunlight
Orenda Books are delighted to announce the acquisition of World English Language rights for German author Ewald Arenz’s glorious debut novel Tasting Sunlight (Alte Sorten) from Judith Habermas at Dumont in a two-book deal.
Karen Sullivan, publisher of Orenda Books says, ‘Tasting Sunlight is a magical book, mysterious, simply written yet beautifully complex – a book that feels so right for current times, with meaningful themes of friendship across generations, of connection between people and with nature, of healing and hope. I first heard about this book at the last physical Frankfurt, and I have been unable to get it out of mind – even more so during lockdown and our enforced isolation – and the fact that school-teacher Ewald’s debut has sold over 100,000 copies in his native Germany is testament to its power.
‘Tasting Sunlight is the story of an unusual friendship that develops between two very different women. Angry teenager Sally has just run away from a clinic where she was to be treated for anorexia, and she comes across Liss, a woman in her forties, running a large farm on her own. From their first encounter, Sally realises that Liss is different from the other grown-ups in her life. Liss expects nothing of Sally and simply accepts who she is, offering her a bed for the night with no questions asked.
‘The overnight stay extends into weeks, as these two damaged women slowly open up – connecting to each other and reconnecting with themselves through their shared work on the land, tending bees, picking fruit, digging the earth, turning over their lives, their past traumas, as they turn the soil. This is an evocative, atmospheric book – sensual – bursting with smells and tastes, the heavy summer heat, and the goodness of fresh air; it’s achingly beautiful, profound, invigorating and uplifting, and an absolutely perfect fit for our list. We are so happy to welcome Ewald to Team Orenda.
Ewald says, ‘I am more than happy to find my book published with Orenda Books. It feels a bit like having found a very familiar, friendly and beautiful home for my story. As an independent publisher, Orenda Books is definitely a lucky strike for a German author and I am looking forward to seeing my book published in such good company.’
Judith says, ‘What a great prospect to see Ewald Arenz‘s novels on the impressive Orenda list and, moreover, to know this author in best hands with the wonderful Orenda team.I envy the English readers who haven’t heard Ewald Arenz‘ voice yet, and still have the joy of discovering an author who can bring the smell of summer to you at any time of year – and much more.’
Tasting Sunlight will be translated by Rachel Ward, and published in Summer 2022 by Orenda Books, with a second book, One Summer [working title], published in 2023. For more information, please contact Karen@orendabooks.co.uk.
