Bonnier to publish memoir of 90s pop star Anthony Kavanagh

Bonnier Books UK is set to publish the memoir of Anthony Kavanagh – the former 90s pop star known as Kavana. Publishing director Ciara Lloyd will be publishing Pop Scars, which was originally acquired by Pete Selby with world all-language rights from Emily Glenister at DHH Literary Agency. It will be published in July 2025 by Blink, Bonnier Books UK’s flagship commercial non-fiction imprint. 

Anthony Kavanagh became a star at 18-years-old, achieving top 10 hits and magazine covers. He also performed with the Spice Girls. "Yet behind the scenes," the synopsis continues, "he struggled to keep his sexuality hidden in an industry obsessed with image. Pop Scars is his candid, often heart-wrenching story of teenage stardom, fame, addiction, grief and, ultimately, survival. Now, 30 years later, Anthony is ready to share the highs, lows and the chaos, in a tale as raw as it is inspiring and as funny as it is heartbreaking."

Kavanagh said: "I began writing this book a long time ago but never had the courage or, more to the point, sobriety to see it through. I also didn’t feel worthy of writing it! Then I realised that ultimately this is an addiction memoir. It was only then I gave myself the permission to write it and go places I’d never thought I’d allow myself to. We don’t often hear what happens to someone once the applause stops and how you can find a way forward even during the darkest times. Ultimately, mine is a story of survival even when the odds are pretty stacked against you; I’m definitely lucky to be here. I’m so grateful to have such a brilliant and dynamic team at Blink who have encouraged me as a first-time author."