A Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller

In this remarkable memoir of love, loss and literature, acclaimed biographer Claire Tomalin turns her eye to another fascinating literary life: her own. She tells of a wartime childhood, Cambridge friendships and an early marriage to a brilliant journalist. After his sudden death in a war zone, Claire is left to raise their four children alone - all while leading a trail-blazing career in literary London.

A Life of My Own is the tale of a woman overcoming obstacles both rare and routine to live not only a good but also a meaningful life.

''A dramatic and absorbing survivor''s tale'' Hilary Spurling, Spectator

''Unexpectedly moving. Tomalin''s story filled me with a kind of awe. Every page is valiant, every paragraph full of pluck'' Rachel Cooke, New Statesman

''She has been tested in ways few women are. This memoir is a triumph'' Valerie Grove, Literary Review