Kiran Millwood Hargrave - Almost Life
WithKiran Millwood Hargrave
In conversation withRachel Ashenden
On:25th March 2026, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Attendance options:
We are so excited that Kiran Millwood Hargrave will be returning to the bookshop to celebrate the Edinburgh launch of her latest novel, Almost Life. It's a story of longing for the paths not taken, and the almost lives we live, and we cannot wait to hear more about it. Millwood Hargrave will be in conversation with art writer, editor and curator Rachel Ashenden.
Please note that Almost Life will be published on 12th March, therefore books for the Book & Ticket options will be posted out to you or made available to collect from the bookshop between then and the event on Wednesdsay 25th March. You can choose whether you would prefer collection or postage in the checkout options.
This event will take place in the bookshop with an in-person audience, as well as a livestream for attendees watching from home. There will be a signing after the event.
In-person vouchers can be redeemed on the night of the event against a single copy of Almost Life – we will have a list of attendees with vouchers to be redeemed. Please note that only one voucher can be redeemed per book. Livestream vouchers are valid until the day after the event and can be redeemed on our website against a single copy of Almost Life.
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 PhD 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 agonising 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?
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Kiran Millwood Hargrave Author
Kiran Millwood Hargrave is an award-winning poet, playwright, and novelist. Her bestselling works for children include The Girl of Ink & Stars, and have won numerous awards including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year, and the Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Year, and been shortlisted for prizes such as the Costa Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Best Story Award. The Mercies is her first novel for adults, and won a Betty Trask Award. Kiran lives by the river in Oxford, with her husband, artist Tom de Freston, and their rescue cat, Luna.
Rachel Ashenden Chair
Rachel Ashenden is an art writer, editor and curator active in Scotland's creative sector. Her research focuses on art as an activism tool. In 2020 she co-founded The Debutante, a magazine dedicated to the lives and legacies of women surrealists. In early 2025, she took on the position of Art Editor of The Skinny, Scotland's leading arts and culture magazine.
The venue
The Portobello Bookshop
46 Portobello High Street
Edinburgh
EH15 1DA
Telephone: 0131 629 6756
Website: www.theportobellobookshop.com
Wheelchair Access
We have a ramp at the front of the shop which has a ratio of 1:10 and loading capacity of 300kg, and so should be able to be used by most wheelchair users or those with mobility vehicles. The front doors are fully automated. Our shop interior is designed to allow access throughout for wheelchair users and prams, though please note there is only 700mm wide clearance to access the staff toilet.
Sound
We use a PA system to enhance the audio at our live events. We also have a hearing loop system installed, if you’d like to use our loop system during an event please let us know and we’ll make sure we have it set up and connected to the live audio feed during the event. If you wish to attend an event and require BSL interpretation, please give us a few weeks notice and we’ll do our best to arrange an interpreter.