Penguin Canada’s Lara Hinchberger and Zainab Mirza have acquired Canadian rights to the debut historical novel of Marina Nemat, author of the international bestselling memoir PRISONER OF TEHRAN which was published in 30 countries. MISTRESS OF THE PERSIAN BOARDING HOUSE is a story of women banding together in the face of oppression, war, and revolution. The novel is inspired by the life of Marina’s paternal grandmother, who survived exile and great personal loss, to find community and love in the face of extraordinary odds. Marina Nemat has been honoured with the Human Dignity Award from the European Parliament and the Morris Abram Human Rights Award from UN Watch in Geneva. Publication is planned for Summer 2026, and the deal was arranged by Carolyn Forde of Transatlantic Agency.
Marina is represented by Carolyn Forde.
Congratulations, Marina!