Kate Parkin and Margaret Stead of Firefinch acquired UK, Commonwealth and translation rights to The Library of Nicosia and a second novel by Lefteri from Marianne Gunn O’Connor at the Marianne Gunn O'Connor Literary, Film & TV Agency, with the former scheduled to be published in May 2027.

In The Library of Nicosia, Lefteri returns to Cyprus, “the island her family fled to after the war, to explore a community riven by conflict, and the acts of determination and courage that lie at the heart of what it is to love and to be human”, the publisher says.

The blurb reads: “In the wake of a brutal conflict, Cyprus is an island divided, and holding an uncertain peace. Hidden within the shattered landscape of the Green Line, the militarised No Man’s Land, is the Library of Nicosia. Accessed from both sides of the Green Line, the library is a gateway for secret contact between friends, families, lovers.

“Turkish Yasemin and Greek Nicos have been driven apart by identities and animosities neither of them recognise or comprehend. The golden thread that binds them is the library, and a book that holds a message. Vassos, the librarian, works in secret as keeper of the flame, hoping that one day the lovers might find their way home to each other.”

Kate Parkin said: “Christy is an astonishing writer. The Library of Nicosia is a heart-breaking and exhilarating story of war, family and bravery. She has outdone herself.”

Margaret Stead added: “The Library of Nicosia is a vivid and compelling exploration of human spirit and determination, and the power of stories. We’re so delighted to be publishing this gem of a novel next year.”

Christy Lefteri said: “The Library of Nicosia has existed in my heart and soul for years, linked to my PhD research into the effects of nationalism on the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus. It is also deeply entwined with my family history.

“It is a real privilege to be publishing with Firefinch, with Kate Parkin and Margaret Stead, who are like my creative family. It is a novel about the enduring and extraordinary power of love beyond borders and how stories can preserve our shared humanity.”