A Bigger Life

A deliciously honest memoir about dating, desire and the radical act of wanting more.

At 38, Louise O’Neill had the life she thought she wanted—until her long-term relationship ended, taking with it the home, future, and sense of certainty she’d built. Heartbroken but defiant, she made a radical decision: to say yes to everything, to take risks, and to reclaim her life—on her own terms.

What followed was a dating experiment that took her across Paris, London, New York, and beyond. Through the men she meets and the moments in between, Louise begins to challenge everything she’s been taught to settle for – in life, love, and in herself.

Part memoir, part manifesto, A Bigger Life is a candid, courageous exploration of modern womanhood, sexual freedom, and the myths we’re sold about what makes a life worthwhile. It’s about embracing uncertainty, finding joy after heartbreak, and creating space for the version of yourself that doesn’t play small. Louise invites us to laugh, wince, and reflect as she asks the question at the heart of the book: What does it really mean to live a bigger life?

You'll love this book if you:

• Are a fan of Louise O'Neill's fiction
• Enjoy biographies and memoir, particularly when they come with a feminist twist
• Love authors like Dolly Alderton or books like Belle Burden's Strangers

ISBN

9780008762469

Format

Paperback

Publisher

HQ, (24 September 2026)

Number of Pages

304

Weight

400 grams

Language

English

Dimensions

234 x 153 x 28 mm

Categories:

Assertiveness, Motivation, Self-Esteem Solo lifestyles Dating, relationships, living together and marriage Loneliness and solitude Memoirs Adventurers and explorers Sex and sexuality, social aspects Feminism and feminist theory