British Comedy Guide

Expectation options Njambi McGrath's novel

Thursday 18th June 2020, 10:56pm

Njambi McGrath

Comedian Njambi McGrath has had her debut novel optioned for television.

Award-winning production company Expectation has bought the rights to develop Through The Leopard's Gaze into a comedy drama series.

The book is described by publishers as "an amazing memoir chronicling the award winning comedian's difficult but inspiring life growing up in Kenya".

Its blurb says: "In her captivating memoir Through The Leopard's Gaze, Njambi McGrath details the harrowing circumstances of her life as a young girl in Kenya, who one fateful night was beaten to a pulp and left for dead. Thirteen-year-old Njambi, fearing her assailant would return to finish her, courageously escaped, walking through the night in the Kenyan countryside, risking wild animals, robbers and murderers, before being picked up by two shabbily dressed but safe men.

"She buries the memories of that fateful day and night, and years later ends up in London with a British husband and children. Then one day a simple unassuming wedding invitation arrives in her mailbox causing her to have to confront the remnants of a past she had thought was behind her. This is a book about survival, and courage when all else fails. It's a searingly honest examination of human cruelty and strength in equal measure."

Expectation producers Nerys Evans and Charlie Leech will head the project. The company's other recent credits include Alma's Not Normal, Intelligence, and In My Skin, as well as entertainment formats including The Big Narstie Show.

Njambi says: "I am very excited, humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be working with Expectation. From our earliest conversations, their vision and enthusiasm for retelling my story was apparent, and I really look forward to bringing this project to life."

A six-part series is now in development. A broadcaster has yet to be attached.

Njambi McGrath - Through The Leopard's Gaze

Njambi McGrath - Through The Leopard's Gaze

Through The Leopard's Gaze is an amazing memoir chronicling the award winning comedian's difficult but inspiring life growing up in Kenya. Her book illuminates family abuse, racism identity and emotional triumph through the lenses of the author's personal history and the history of Kenya.

In her captivating memoir Through The Leopard's Gaze, Njambi McGrath details the harrowing circumstances of her life as a young girl in Kenya, who one fateful night was beaten to a pulp and left for dead. Thirteen-year-old Njambi, fearing her assailant would return to finish her, courageously escaped, walking through the night in the Kenyan countryside, risking wild animals, robbers and murderers, before being picked up by two shabbily dressed but safe men.

She buries the memories of that fateful day and night, and years later ends up in London with a British husband and children. Then one day a simple unassuming wedding invitation arrives in her mailbox causing her to have to confront the remnants of a past she had thought was behind her. This is a book about survival, and courage when all else fails. It's a searingly honest examination of human cruelty and strength in equal measure.

First published: Thursday 30th January 2020

  • Published: Tuesday 4th February 2020
  • Publisher: Jacaranda
  • Pages: 280
  • Catalogue: 9781913090104

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