"An unforgettable and beautifully eloquent novel that sings a richly emotional tale of love, life, opportunities and loss over a span of 35 years."
Deeply beautiful, this tale of love and life, of taking and giving and letting go, is as memorable as it is eloquently provocative and powerful. Erica and Laure meet in Paris in 1978, and from that moment over the next 35 years their lives are marked by their relationship. I read and fell in love with author Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s adult debut, The Mercies, a historical novel set in a remote Norwegian community. Almost Life joins her debut as a LoveReading Star Book and Liz Pick of the Month, it spoke to my heart and soul and I want to shout from the rooftops about it. The two main characters are exquisitely drawn, I felt a part of them, able to view them visually and emotionally. Flaws became known, enabling a greater understanding and bringing life and authenticity to both. A number of other vital characters walk through the years with Erica and Laure, communicating the many different forms of love that can be found. As the years follow, we view change, growth, missed chances and life in all its glory. It feels as though this has been written with compassion and empathy, while still throwing open the doors to and exploring pain, confusion, anger, and heartbreak. The locations are important and described to enable a full picture to form and envelop the characters. Gorgeously captivating, Almost Life is incredibly special and I have no doubt that it will be one of my favourite novels of the year.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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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.
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?
Almost Life features in the following genres: Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Star Books, Historical Fiction, Modern and Contemporary Fiction
Almost Life is available in Paperback, Hardback
Almost Life was written by Kiran Millwood Hargrave and published by Picador an imprint of Pan Macmillan
Almost Life has 439 pages
£15.29
