Vikram Seth Asked to Return $1.7 Advance for Sequel, A SUITABLE GIRL

According to reports, Random House and Penguin have asked author Vikram Seth to return his $1.7 million advance, a part of which was paid to him for A Suitable Girl, the 'jumpsequel' to his best-selling novel, A Suitable Boy.

David Godwin, Seth's agent, said, "It would be unfair to say the deal has been called off. Vikram has been known to take his time with his books. Our aim is to settle this new date with Hamish. If we can't, then Vikram will decide what he wants to do next."

Some reports suggest this action is a result of cost-cutting measures from the newly formed merger between Penguin and Random House.

The vice-president of marketing & corporate communications at Penguin Random House, India, denied comment on the development saying they do not comment on individual contracts.

Vikram Seth is an Indian novelist and poet. He has written several novel and poetry books. He has received several awards including Padma Shri, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, WH Smith Literary Award and Crossword Book Award.

Vikram Seth's Works include:

Novels

The Golden Gate (1986)
A Suitable Boy (1993)
An Equal Music (1999)
A Suitable Girl (2013)

Poetry

Mappings (1980)
The Humble Administrator's Garden (1985)
All You Who Sleep Tonight (1990)
Beastly Tales (1991)
Three Chinese Poets (1992)
The Frog and the Nightingale (1994)

Children's book

Beastly Tales (1991)
Libretto
Arion and the Dolphin (1994) for the English National Opera
The Traveller [2008] with composer Alec Roth. Premiere, Lichfield Festival July 2008.

Non-fiction

From Heaven Lake (1983)
Two Lives (2005)