Firefinch is delighted to announce the acquisition of I Am You, by US poet and novelist Victoria Redel. I Am You is a meditation on gender, an ode to artistic creation, and an unforgettable love story that reimagines the life of renowned still life painter Maria van Oosterwijck during the Dutch Golden Age, and her relationship with Gerta, her maid who became her apprentice.

credit George Rings

Victoria Redel has written four books of poetry, most recently Paradise; her last novel, Before Everything, was published in 2017. Her short stories, poetry and essays have appeared in Granta, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Bomb, One Story, Salmagundi, O, and NOON among many others. She has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts and the Fine Arts Work

Center. She is a professor in the graduate and undergraduate creative writing programs at Sarah Lawrence College and lives in New York City.

Margaret Stead, Executive Director of Firefinch, who acquired UK & Commonwealth rights from Anna Webber at AM Heath on behalf of Bill Clegg at The Clegg Agency said: ‘I Am You explores in exquisite detail the Dutch Golden Age and the life and love of painter Maria van Oosterwijck. It offers a timeless view of womanhood, gender, love and the mysterious brilliance of the creative mind. I Am You is one of the most vivid and exciting novels I’ve read in a very long time: a perfect gem to launch our Firefinch list.’

Anna Webber said: ‘I Am You is a glorious, full-bodied historical novel, atmospheric, sensuous, and thought-provoking. It takes you places you didn’t see coming and serves up unexpected delights at every turn. I am thrilled that it will be Firefinch’s launch title. I know this exciting new publisher will offer the perfect home for Victoria Redel’s superb novel.’

Victoria Redel said ‘I am honored to have I Am You find a home with Firefinch. It is thrilling to be part of an exciting new publishing venture as it bursts into the world.’

Translation Rights are held by The Clegg Agency.

I Am You will be published by Zando Projects, on Sarah Jessica Parker’s SJP Lit imprint, on 30 September 2025. Firefinch will publish in e-book on 30 September 2025 and in Hardback in February 2026 as their launch title.

Advance praise for I Am You

‘Victoria Redel masterfully evokes the rich period of Golden Age Amsterdam and the centrality of its artists…. It is spellbinding, wonderfully atmospheric, and impossible to forget’
Sarah Jessica Parker, SJP Lit

‘A stunning accomplishment.’ Michael Cunningham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Day and The Hours

‘This lush, sexy, absorbing novel…brings to life two artists who are inextricably linked in passion and competition’ Melissa Febos, bestselling author of Girlhood

‘A beautiful tale of extraordinary women making their own way in ordinary times.’ Book Riot