Canongate to Publish Debut Novel by Poet Keith Jarrett

Canongate has secured the rights to publish we were one of many voices, the debut novel by Keith Jarrett, a poet and UK Poetry Slam Champion. The acquisition was made by editor-at-large Ellah Wakatama, who obtained UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Nicola Chang at David Higham Associates. The book is scheduled for release in July 2027.

The novel intertwines two timelines, taking readers from east London in the 1990s to Jamaica and London in the 1960s. The synopsis outlines the first storyline, featuring young Samuel Robinson in 1990s east London. Samuel, determined to cast sin out of his life, navigates his teenage years with a shield of religious faith, struggling with resentment and bitterness. His brother Manny, a truant and petty criminal, unwittingly becomes the target of Samuel's righteous indignation, leading to a betrayal that significantly impacts Samuel's life.

In the second timeline, set in Jamaica and London during the 1960s, the narrative centers on a girl known by many names. Initially, she is Spider, a mischievous child who hears spirit voices and is later adopted by her Nanny, who instills manners and scripture in her. As she prepares to meet her estranged father in England, she assumes the name Theresa, navigating her new identity as an outsider on the brink of adulthood.

The novel explores themes of storytelling, inheritance, and the connections that span time and geography, contemplating what is left behind when one narrative shifts to another. Jarrett expressed his excitement about collaborating with Canongate, noting their commitment to innovative voices and his anticipation for readers to discover Samuel and Spider's worlds.

Wakatama remarked on Jarrett's poetic qualities, stating that the emotional depth in his storytelling brings an intimate perspective on family, silences, and secrets. She praised his ability to weave different viewpoints and settings into a compelling narrative.

Jarrett, a London-based writer, poet, and educator at NYU London, published his debut poetry collection, Selah, with Burning Eye Books in 2017. His second collection, Hide Me Under the Blood and I Shall Be Satisfied, published by Bad Betty, was shortlisted for the 2026 Forward Prize and is currently in contention for the TS Eliot Prize, the winner of which will be announced in January.