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Keanu Reeves and China Miéville to release collaborative novel The Book of Elsewhere (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 10 months ago by Emperor to c/britishbooks

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Canadian actor Keanu Reeves will publish his first novel this year in collaboration with British author China Miéville.

Their joint novel is titled The Book of Elsewhere and is set in the world of the BRZRKR comic book series created by Reeves, first published in 2021. It follows an immortal warrior on a millennia-long journey to understand his immortality.

The novel is due to be published on 23 July by Penguin. Reeves, who is best known for his roles in The Matrix and John Wick franchises, said it was “extraordinary” to work with Miéville. “China did exactly what I was hoping for – he came in with a clear architecture for the story and how he wanted to play with the world of BRZRKR, a world that I love so much. I was thrilled with his vision and feel honoured to be a part of this collaborative process.”

Miéville’s novels include The City & The City, Embassytown and Perdido Street Station. He is the only writer to have won the Arthur C Clarke award for science fiction three times.

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[–] Emperor 6 points 10 months ago (1 children)

That's weird - China Miéville is one of my favourite newer authors but he hasn't done anything I loved in years and has largely been focused on Marxist non-fiction for a while. And now this... It seems a bit random but something seems to have inspired Miéville and I can't imagine it's a paycheck... OK, not just the money.

[–] statler_waldorf@lemmy.world 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I've been champing at the bit for new Mieville fiction so I'll take what I can get. My wife got me October for Christmas but I haven't been in a non-fiction mood lately.

[–] Emperor 1 points 10 months ago

I’ve been champing at the bit for new Mieville fiction so I’ll take what I can get.

Me too - his most recent fiction have been interesting sketches at best. I haven't dabbled with his non-fiction.

[–] DigitalTraveler42@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'd love a Perdido Street Station movie, but I guess this works too.

[–] Emperor 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Oh it'd be great but it would require a high budget and it probably doesn't have as sizable a fan base as some of the fantasy films based on books. However, if Guillermo del Toro was interested...

[–] DigitalTraveler42@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

GDT and China Melville, the perfect fantasy horror team up.

[–] Emperor 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

It definitely feels like GdT is the right director for the job and has enough stroke to get the necessary level of funding. However, if he couldn't get Mountains of Madness made with Tom Cruise onboard (although that's a tricky adaptation and possibly not the best fit for a lead) then...

[–] DigitalTraveler42@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago

That's the problem, he went Tom Cruise when he should have gone Nick Cage.

Seriously Cage is a huge Lovecraft fan, the Color out of Space movie he made a few years back was really good.

[–] autotldr@lemmings.world 1 points 10 months ago

This is the best summary I could come up with:

Canadian actor Keanu Reeves will publish his first novel this year in collaboration with British author China Miéville.

Reeves, who is best known for his roles in The Matrix and John Wick franchises, said it was “extraordinary” to work with Miéville.

Upon its release, BRZRKR, created with writer Matt Kindt and artist Ron Garney, became the highest-selling original comic book series debut in more than 25 years.

The comic will also be adapted into a live-action Netflix film starring Reeves, and an anime series.

“Both are master storytellers who have thrilled, surprised and won the hearts and minds of audiences and readers for decades.

“The Book of Elsewhere is science fiction at its very best – dazzling high-concept, beguiling characters and a profound, original plot that blends action, drama and existentialism in a bravura way that will leave readers moved and amazed,” he added.

The original article contains 360 words, the summary contains 144 words. Saved 60%. I'm a bot and I'm open source!

[–] CADmonkey@lemmy.world 1 points 10 months ago

This is awesome. Miéville is one of my favorite authors. The Scar and Iron Council are my favorites after Perdido Street Station.

[–] Tweak 1 points 10 months ago

John Wick was never my cup of tea, but I respected how dedicated he was at training for the role. However, after Cyberpunk 2077, I'm really not a fan of Keanu's brand.

I don't blame him directly, but I have a confident inkling that the only reason it was released early and unfinished was to satisfy the Hollywood contract his agents negotiated, which probably included penalty clauses for a late release that could have completely bankrupted CDPR.

He's a top bloke, a decent character actor, and amazing human being, but most of what is thrown in your face these days is a commercial image with his name on it.