Atria Books acquires debut Peppernell novel

Atria Books Australia has acquired world rights (ex North America) to poet Courtney Peppernell’s debut novel, The Last Poem. 

‘Bestselling author and poet Wren Paisley is a mess after the untimely death of her fiancée, Lucy, in a tragic car crash that left a young bystander paralysed,’ said the publisher. ‘Unable to escape the media frenzy swarming her brownstone, Wren goes on a road trip with no destination in mind, until she hits Everston, Colorado. Deciding to start anew, she takes up residence in a crumbling old Victorian house. It feels fortuitous – and dangerous – when Wren learns that the local library holds a weekly grief support group that reads, of all things, poetry.’

Peppernell is the author of the Pillow Thoughts series, Watering the Soul, I Hope You Stay, and Time Will Tell (all S&S). Her work has sold over two million copies and been translated into many languages.

Publisher Anthea Bariamis said: ‘I feel so lucky to be working with Courtney – she is immensely talented, and The Last Poem is a treasure of a novel. This story is at once heartbreaking, poignant and cosy, and I know so many readers are going to be incredibly moved by it. I’m so thrilled that Courtney is moving into fiction, and that we get to champion her gorgeous writing.’

Commenting on the deal, Peppernell said: ‘I’m so excited to be publishing The Last Poem with Atria Australia – it’s the perfect home for this story. Anthea and the incredible team at Atria have been instrumental in shaping it into the best version it can be. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Wren and the group of misfits who hold such a special place in my heart.’

The Last Poem is scheduled to be published in March 2026.

Photo credit: Kate Williams.

Category: Local news News Rights and acquisitions