News

Life in Her Hands from Professor Averil Mansfield has sold to Ebury!

social_media_1.jpg

​We are thrilled to announce that Katie Fulford has sold world all language rights for Life in Her Hands, the “inspirational” memoir from Professor Averil Mansfield to Claire Collins, editor at Ebury Spotlight! Publication is scheduled for February 2023. An audiobook edition, narrated by the author, will be released simultaneously by Penguin Random House Audio. 

Averil Mansfield established herself as a pioneer in every sense of the word when she qualified as a surgeon in the early 1970s, at the time just 2% of her colleagues were female, and she was often met with surprise, bordering on disbelief and amusement, when telling people what she did. But time and again, Averil proved herself more than capable of the role which had been her greatest dream since the age of eight. After a formidable operating career in Liverpool and London, during which she made many enduring friendships, she went on to become the UK’s first ever female professor of surgery. Life in Her Hands is the remarkable life story of a truly trailblazing woman. Averil’s account shines light on a medical and societal world that has changed beyond measure, but which — as she shows through her experiences — still has a long way to go for the women finding their place within it.

Mansfield said: 

“Writing my book has been a novel and enjoyable experience. It has been wonderful to relive old memories and to recall the amazing patients, colleagues, friends and family who have been so influential and supportive throughout my life. When I was young the idea of a female surgeon was quite an unusual one, and I am delighted that so much has changed in that respect since the early days of my career. I hope that those who read my book will discover what it takes to become a surgeon, and that they will see that, along with the hard work and long hours, yes, there is also a sense of achievement and quite a lot of fun to be had too.”

Collins said: 

"While the surgery which Averil developed during her formidable career has doubtless saved many thousands of lives, her memoir is much more than a celebration of medical progress. It is also a beautifully told human story, stretching from Averil’s working-class childhood in Blackpool during the Second World War and recounting her experiences of love and grief, success and adversity. Ebury Spotlight are delighted to be publishing Life in Her Hands to mark both International Women’s Day and the 75th anniversary of the NHS in 2023.”