Temple Street to Adapt The Biggest Modern Woman of the World

Temple Street has secured the rights to Susan Swan’s debut novel, The Biggest Modern Woman of the World.

Originally published in 1983, it tells the true story of a seven-foot-six giantess who exhibited with P.T. Barnum. A fictionalized autobiography, the novel tracks the life of Anna Swan (1846-1888) from her childhood as one of 13 children of poor Scottish immigrants in Nova Scotia through a life in showbusiness in New York to her travels in Europe and return to the U.S. The contemporary classic will be adapted for TV by Hannah Moscovitch (X Company, Played).

Kerry Appleyard, senior VP of Temple Street, said: “Susan Swan’s wonderful novel examines Western culture’s obsession with size and abnormality as Anna’s astonishing life unfolds. Ultimately it is an unlikely story of triumph over adversity which will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. We’re delighted that we have one of the strongest voices in Canada, the multiple award-winning Hannah Moscovitch, to adapt the series.”

Swan said: “This novel is very close to my heart and I’m thrilled that the television series will be created by Temple Street and Hannah. It’s the ideal dream team to bring Anna Swan’s incredible true story to life!”

Moscovitch said: “I am beyond thrilled to be working with the award-winning team at Temple Street, to bring Susan Swan’s novel about the extraordinary Anna to our screens. Part truth, part legend, The Biggest Modern Woman of the World is a saucy romp through traditional categories of gender, sexuality and nationality and working on it is going to be a huge pleasure. ”