Gallery Books pockets Richard E Grant's 'disarmingly candid' memoir

Gallery Books has scooped A Pocketful of Happiness, a memoir by actor Richard E Grant.

Publishing director Holly Harris acquired world rights from Georgia Garrett at RCW. It will be published by the Simon & Schuster literary imprint on 29th September, simultaneously in royal hardback and audiobook, to be read by the author. The publication will be supported by a major PR and marketing campaign.

"Set between the present day and flashbacks to diary entries recalling landmarks from his remarkable life and glittering career, this is an immensely personal and profound memoir that celebrates and cherishes life’s unexpected joys," the synopsis explains. "Funny, moving and perceptive, A Pocketful of Happiness is an intimate insight into the life of a British actor who has become a national treasure."

Grant is a fixture of British screens who was launched to fame in 1987 cult classic "Withnail & I". Since then, he has gone on to star in a wide variety of films, including his Oscar-nominated performance in "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" in 2018. An avid reader, he hosted the BBC’s literary travel series "Write Around the World" in 2021.

The inspiration for the memoir came from his late wife and partner of 38 years, voice coach Joan Washington. "Joan’s last challenge to me was to try to find a pocketful of happiness in every single day," Grant said. "That instruction has proved to be profoundly powerful. Whenever I waver, her words ping across my cranium. This book, drawing on recollections from the past four decades, is my way of honouring that challenge."

Harris added: "‘Richard is disarmingly candid, funny and clever and so it’s no surprise that his memoir is absolutely brilliant. All of us at S&S are thrilled and honoured to be his publisher."