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A True Story of Love and Alcohol

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By: Louisa Young
Narrated by: Louisa Young
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‘Extraordinarily powerful’ Emma Thompson

There are a million love stories, and a million stories of addiction. This one is transcendent.

Louisa Young met Robert Lockhart when they were both 17. Their stop-start romance lasted decades, in which time he became a celebrated composer and she, an acclaimed novelist.

This is both a compelling portrait of a lifelong love affair, and an incredibly affecting guide to how the partner of a 'charismatic, infuriating, adorable, self-sabotaging’ alcoholic can find the strength to survive when the disease rips both their lives apart.

‘Rich and moving and beautifully written’ The Times

‘Spectacular. I can’t stop thinking about it’ Cathy Rentzenbrink

‘Extraordinarily candid’ Evening Standard

‘Beautiful, and heartbreaking, and true’ Sam Baker, The Pool

‘Moving, harrowing and tirelessly empathetic’ Daily Express

Art & Literature Authors Entertainment & Celebrities Grief & Loss Personal Development Relationships Celebrity Substance abuse Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Inspiring Feel-Good Thought-Provoking Romance
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Critic reviews

‘Rich and moving and beautifully written’ The Times
‘An extraordinarily powerful and moving work – for all… An achingly beautiful book which I devoured in two sittings. Amazing’ Emma Thompson
‘Spectacular. I can’t stop thinking about it. Louisa Young is a beautiful, beautiful writer and there is great courage and love in the way she addresses her subject. It’s the portrait of a man and his times and his illness told with love but also with an unflinching honesty that feels like a great gift to the reader’ Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of The Last Act of Love
‘Beautiful but, yes, sobering story … it is, at heart, an old-fashioned love’ Daily Mail
‘Extraordinarily candid… As much as it’s an overwhelming love letter, Young’s book is also a sobering reminder of the devastating effects of alcoholism, not just on an individual’s life, but on everyone else around them’ Evening Standard
‘The most riveting, heartbreaking book I've ever read about addiction, but above all about the nature of love. Already one of my books of the year’ Linda Grant
‘Brave, honest and beautiful’ Nicholas Lezard, Evening Standard
‘Louisa Young's memoir of her long, bruising love for musical genius Robert Lockhart is as honest as the morning after and the best account of loving against all sense since Penelope Mortimer’s The Pumpkin Eater’ Patrick Gale
‘I’m still fucking crying. And it’s such a great work of art. I wish I'd read it before I worked as a drug and alcohol counsellor’ Philippa Perry
‘Oh my God, it’s so beautiful, and heartbreaking, and true’ Sam Baker, The Pool
'Had me weeping into my pillow… Anyone who has ever loved an addict will recognise most of what she has to say’ iNews
‘An important book, one that demands we rethink a culture of blame around alcoholism … moving, harrowing and tirelessly empathetic’ Daily Express
All stars
Most relevant
I cried buckets when Robert died. Thank you Louisa for sharing. Grounding, thought provoking, fascinating. Wonderful love story and heartbreaking tale about addiction.

Brave, beautiful...

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Took me a while to get into it but so glad I continued, what a story to tell. Louisa you are amazing.

Good listen

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Such an honest, beautiful story of life and loss. Plus Louisa has the most relaxing voice, this book is a delight to listen to, as you feel the love she had for Robert, and the hopes for them both, while she lives her own life.

Wonderful

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I have listened to this book twice now. It is profoundly sad but uplifting at the same time. Louisa Young graphically describes the agony of having a partner who is ill with alcoholism and how his illness destroys him. I don’t think I have ever read a book like this before and doubt I will again. Superb.

Very moving and beautifully written

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A very moving and heart felt story of a gradual process of self destruction.

The view of Louisa is one of a fly on the wall as well as someone who is completely immersed in this painful journey.

Louisas use of humour and strength is a amazing ability, with this combination she tells her story quite magnificently.

Thought provoking and vert touching.

Beautifully Tragic

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