Batis Books is proud to announce the acquisition of UK and Irish rights to The Near North by Ivan Vladislavić, a vivid personal account of life in Johannesburg during times of crisis. 

The deal was negotiated by Isobel Dixon of Blake Friedmann. Publication is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.

“It is my honour to bring Ivan Vladislavić’s most recent work to the British and Irish markets,” says Nick Mulgrew, director of Batis Books. “Vladislavić is one of South Africa’s great contemporary writers, and The Near North is a book that, patiently and powerfully, makes personal the amazing chaos of Jo’burg – a place that is at once human-made forest, securitised suburban sprawl and decaying modern city. Vladislavić gets to grips with a place that even its inhabitants can find overwhelming.”

In its obsession with place- and homemaking, The Near North is in some ways a companion to Vladislavić’s earlier, award-winning Portrait With Keys – but it stands alone as its own achievement. This is a narrative of fine description and self-reflection by a writer with a flaneur’s spirit, even as he bumps against the sharp edges of violence against nature and people alike.

Ivan Vladislavić says: “The Near North could not have found a more congenial home than Batis. Nick Mulgrew is a ground-breaking publisher and I’m thrilled to be part of his new venture. I look forward very much to working with him.”

Isobel Dixon says: “I’m delighted that Ivan and his brilliant The Near North will join the exciting new Batis Books list. I’ve long appreciated Nick Mulgrew’s vision and publishing acumen and it’s a great pleasure to join forces to bring Ivan’s latest work to more readers this year.”

More advance information and release date are to be announced soon.