Synopsis
Almost Life is Kiran Millwood Hargrave's breathtaking story of love and longing, of the lives we almost live and the choices we don't make — and finding the courage to embrace who you really want to be.
'A heart-rending tale of missed chances' - Douglas Stuart, author of Shuggie Bain
'Immersive, sensual, beautiful and powerful' - Marian Keyes, author of My Favourite Mistake
'Tender, sensual and thrumming with life' - Lucy Steeds, author of The Artist
'One of the greatest love stories I’ve ever read. One Day for a new generation' - Stacey Halls, author of The Household
One chance encounter can define a lifetime
Erica and Laure meet on the steps of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, 1978. Erica is a student, relishing her first summer abroad before beginning university at home in England. Laure is studying for her Ph.D. at the Sorbonne, drinking and smoking far too much, and sleeping with a married woman.
The moment the two women meet the spark is undeniable. But their encounter turns into far more than a summer of love. It is the beginning of a relationship that will define their lives and every decision they have yet to make. Spanning cities, decades and heartbreaks, fate brings them within touching distance again and again.
But will they be brave enough to seize the life they truly want?
'Hot, smart and completely captivating' - Daisy Buchanan, author of Pity Party
'A beautifully told story about love, longing, and the lives we almost live' - Louise O'Neill, author of Idol
Details
12 March 2026
9781035007530Reviews
Erica and Laure have made me think about MY life, about love and friendship and how short life is . . . immersive, sensual, beautiful and powerful
A heart-rending tale of missed chances. Millwood Hargrave is a wonderful writer and what a pleasure it is to be in the company of such a deft, enchanting storyteller
Hot, smart and completely captivating - this is a truly luscious love story. I'll never forget it.
A beautifully told story about love, longing, and the lives we almost live.
