We are delighted to welcome acclaimed author Kiran Millwood Hargrave to Deansgate, celebrating the release of Almost Life: a breathtaking story of longing for the paths not taken, and the almost lives we live.

Spanning decades and a series of major changes both personal and political, this epic love story from the bestselling author of The Mercies traces the relationship of students Erica and Laure from the 1970s to the present day.

Kiran joins us to discuss her tender and immersive novel and answer audience questions, followed by a signing.

About Almost Life

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?

About the Author

KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE is a multi-award-winning, internationally bestselling novelist. She is the author of instant Sunday Times bestseller The Mercies, which was a Richard and Judy Book Club Pick, won a Betty Trask Award, and was named an NYT Best Book of the Year, and The Dance Tree, which was shortlisted for the HWA Gold Crown Award, and picked for the BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club. Her bestselling works for children are published in over thirty languages. Kiran lives in Oxford with her family, and a constant rotation of foster kittens.