Big Issue founder John Bird’s debut novel, Do You Sincerely Want to Smash Capitalism and Have a Full Sex Life?, is currently in the works for a screen adaptation by the production company responsible for the provocative BAFTA-nominated film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. This marks Bird’s transition from the realms of British journalism and charity work into the world of fiction writing. The novel is said to delve into themes of history, mythical beings, and philosophy, drawing inspiration from Bird’s own life experiences.
The narrative centers around a group of interventionist Faeries led by a revenge-driven queen named Spunkthought, who is determined to have her story told and disseminated widely. The story unfolds on multiple January 30ths, which is Bird’s birthday, where historical figures like The Beatles, Elvis, and even Hitler are confronted by an arch-interventionist Faerie named Nippit-in-the-Bud. However, the heart of the tale lies in the protagonist, ‘Old Bird’, who is coerced into recounting his life story to a reluctant assistant called Grimtale.
Despite being a Lord and having penned an autobiography in 2002, Bird has never ventured into the realm of fiction writing until now. His most notable accomplishment to date has been founding The Big Issue in 1991, a newspaper that provides job opportunities for homeless individuals. This novel not only showcases Bird’s creative talents but also sheds light on his profound reflections on history and personal experiences.
The adaptation of Bird’s novel is in the capable hands of Genesius Pictures, the same company behind Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. Known for their bold and provocative storytelling, Genesius has an impressive lineup of upcoming projects, including the Pierce Brosnan-led Four Letters of Love and the vampire thriller The Radleys based on the novel by Matt Haig. This indicates that Bird’s story is in good company with a team that has a track record of success in bringing captivating narratives to the screen.
In a statement, John Bird shares his inspiration for the novel, citing a quote by Hegel about learning from history. Born on the 30th of January, Bird reflects on the significance of this date in shaping his worldview and understanding of the past. He describes the novel as a culmination of a lifetime of introspection and introspection, labeling it as a disastrous reflection of a life filled with ups and downs. Despite his self-critical tone, Bird expresses hope for an equally catastrophic film adaptation of his work.
Overall, John Bird’s debut novel and its subsequent adaptation represent a departure from his earlier work in journalism and charity. The novel promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of history, fantasy, and personal narrative, all set against the backdrop of a world inhabited by interventionist Faeries. With Genesius Pictures at the helm, audiences can expect a bold and captivating interpretation of Bird’s unique storytelling. As the project unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Bird’s vision translates from the page to the screen, offering viewers a glimpse into his imaginative and tumultuous world.
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