Exciting times, right?
Naoise Dolan’s debut novel Exciting Times is being adapted into a TV series.
The book details the experiences of Ava, a Dublin woman who moves to Hong Kong to work as a teacher, only to find herself finding comfort in the company of detached banker Julian and straight talking lawyer Edith.
Exciting Times has received rave reviews since its release earlier this year, with many comparing its characterisation and sharp, witty dialogue to Sally Rooney’s wildly successful Normal People.
According to Deadline, the incredibly popular novel will be adapted for TV by US financial producer Black Bear Pictures.
The production company says that the series, much like the book, “follows the liaisons of Ava, newly arrived in Hong Kong from Dublin, who spends her days teaching English to rich children.
“Julian is a banker. A banker who likes to spend money on Ava, to have sex and discuss fluctuating currencies with her. But when she asks whether he loves her, he cannot say more than ‘I like you a great deal.’
“Enter Edith, a lawyer. Refreshingly enthusiastic and unapologetically earnest, Edith takes Ava to the theatre when Julian leaves Hong Kong for work. Quickly, she becomes something Ava looks forward to.
“And then Julian writes to tell Ava he is coming back to Hong Kong… Should Ava return to the easy compatibility of her life with Julian or take a leap into the unknown with Edith?”
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Executive producers include Dolan as well as Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman, Ben Stillman and Michael Heimler.
The author said that she is “thrilled” to work with the production company on the adaptation.
“I think my love of dialogue is clear from the book, so I’m thrilled to partner with Black Bear to bring the characters to a TV audience, and even more so to be involved as an executive producer,” she said.
“Black Bear is discerning, independent-minded, and very engaged with the novel, so it will be a privilege to work together on this project.”