You Left Early: A True Story of Love and Alcohol

‘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 In this rich autobiography, Louisa Young, the Sunday Times bestselling author, delves into the depths of her personal relationships, painting a vivid picture of love, grief, and bereavement. The narrative is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of death and the self-sabotaging nature of addiction. For fans of Lisa Smith (Girl Walks Out of a Bar), Gregg Olsen (The Amish Wife), Maggie O'Farrell (I Am, I Am, I Am), Colm Tóibín (The Master), and Rose Tremain (Rosie).