Almost Life *Signed Independent Edition*

*Our Indie Edition pre-orders will come signed with sprayed edges!*

A love story that will last 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 . . .

Erica and Laure’s love story spans decades, marriage, children, secret trysts, and the agonizing changes – both personal and political – that might mean they can be together, after all. But when life brings them within touching distance again, will they be brave enough to seize a future together? Almost Life is a story of longing for the paths not taken, and the almost lives we live.

Almost Life is captivating and immersive, a soaring ode to both love’s possibilities and its pain. Richly rendered and deeply felt, Laure and Erica will stay with me for a long time. -- Sophie Mackintosh, Booker-longlisted author of The Water Cure

Love, loss, joy, cowardice, bravery, sex, friendship, love, more love, always love, Paris, London, Norfolk, and four decades of longing: a masterpiece from a writer at the height of her powers. -- Ella Risbridger, author of The Year of Miracles

Devastating and heartbreaking, with the pain and joy and despair of wanting and being in love so rich on every page. A singular book from a beautiful writer about two women I will never forget. -- Kate Young, author of Experienced

Rich, evocative, stylish and sexy - a gorgeously crafted novel of epic love and epic life. Almost Life is as heartbreaking as it is deeply human. -- Kirsty Capes, author of Girls