Sixth Hitchhiker’s Guide book to be written

If you love the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy trilogy, you’ll either be excited or upset by the news that there will be a sixth book written in the series–not by Douglas Adams, who is dead, but by children’s author Eoin Colfer. Adams’ widow gave permission.

Adams had had plans to write a sixth book, saying that the fifth was bleak and that he planned to write the next on a slightly more upbeat note. But he didn’t have time to write it before he died. Colfer and Penguin haven’t released any details about the plot yet.

Colfer was a fan of the Hitchhiker books since his schooldays. He said that being given the opportunity to continue the series was “like suddenly being offered the superpower of your choice. “For years I have been finishing this incredible story in my head and now I have the opportunity to do it in the real world. It is a gift from the gods.”

I think it’s a good thing Colfer loved the Hitchhiker works so much; perhaps he’ll be able to retain the voice.

This situation is similar to Budge Wilson writing the prequel to the beloved Anne of Green Gables series–working hard to keep the author’s voice and style, and the stories that arc the series. When it’s done well, it offers a gift to readers who love the series. When it’s not, well, there can be outraged fans.

What do you think about an author writing a book in a series where the original author has died?

Thanks to Shelf Awareness for the info.

September 18th, 2008