ROSE Tremain's Sacred Country has been selected as the book for City Reads 2018.

The novel follows protagonist Mary Ward and her journey towards changing gender and becoming Martin.

Set in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Sacred Country takes place in Suffolk, London and America and sees Mary attempt to find safety and fulfillment in an often hostile world.

The idea of City Reads is for as many people as possible to read a single book over the space of a few weeks.

It launches on April 23, on World Book Night, and culminates on May 13 when Rose Tremain will be in conversation as part of Brighton Festival.

Rose Tremain said: "I’m delighted that Sacred Country has been chosen. It seems to me that this city, with its long tradition of tolerance and its talent for celebration is a place where Mary/Martin could have found happiness. To make this book live again for Brighton readers will be an honour."

Published in 1992, Sacred Country has been credited with opening eyes about transgender life and the social obstacles facing trans people.

Fox Fisher, a trans artist and activist said: "As a trans person myself, I never saw trans characters in books growing up. Although Sacred Country is written by an author that isn’t trans, I was utterly gripped with the storyline and characters."

Artistic director of City Reads, Sarah Hutchings, added: "Despite being written in 1992, Sacred Country is a novel that deserves to be re-discovered as it is still a hugely relevant work. Mary’s story is told with skill, compassion and empathy.

"Rose Tremain is one of the UK’s most respected writers and we are delighted to be welcoming her to Brighton and Hove in May to discuss this groundbreaking novel with readers across the city."

Rose Tremain was awarded a CBE in 2007 for her services to literature. She lives in London.

For more information about City Reads visit collectedworks.co.uk