Head of Zeus are delighted to be publishing Swéta Rana’s debut novel, QUEUING FOR THE QUEEN, an uplifting and moving novel about a British Indian mother and daughter and their journey from the Southbank to Westminster across 24 hours to see the Queen lying in state.

Rosie de Courcy acquired World English Language rights for QUEUING FOR THE QUEEN for Head of Zeus from Sara O’Keeffe and Max Edwards, at Aevitas Creative Management. The book will be published in ebook on the 11th of May, and in paperback on the 6th of June 2023.

In QUEUING FOR THE QUEEN we follow Tania and her mother, Rani, as they queue to see the Queen lying in state. The journey they take from the Southbank to Westminster across 24 hours proves to be transformative for both women, as they chart a path across London and their respective pasts. The book is both a celebration of the Queen and what she meant to so many, and the story of an Indian immigrant woman and her British Indian daughter who view life very differently, and eventually come together in a new understanding of love, family and belonging.

Swéta Rana said, ‘The queue to see the Queen's lying-in-state was a remarkable moment in history. It represented so much in terms of loss, grief, the end of an era - but it also encompassed inspirational values like community and resilience. I'm proud to be a British Indian woman and I enjoyed exploring this unique event through my personal cultural lens. It means so much to me that Sara, Max and Rosie are lending their considerable expertise towards seeing the book published, and I'm really excited for it to be out in the world.’

Sara O’ Keeffe and Max Edwards said, ‘When we saw Swéta’s brilliant imagining of an iconic moment in recent history, we knew she was on to a winner. Queuing for the Queen showcases the best of Britain – both its traditional heart, and its modern self – and is as uplifting as it is unforgettable. We’re thrilled Rosie and Head of Zeus shared our passion for this brilliant debut writer.’

Rosie de Courcy said, ‘I remember vividly thinking, how mad it was for people to queue for 12 hours and more, just to see the Queen’s coffin, but then, as I watched that extraordinary, winding line on TV, I thought, unexpectedly, oh but now I wish I was there. Swéta’s novel is totally irresistible, from first word to last. I adore it and – even better –  feel as though I really did join that pilgrimage after all.’