Leo Varadkar's autobiography snagged by Sandycove in nine-way auction
The autobiography by former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, has been acquired by Sandycove, the Dublin-based imprint of Penguin Random House, following a nine-way auction.
Rights were acquired from Max Edwards at Apple Tree Literary by Michael McLoughlin at Sandycove. The book will be published in autumn 2025.
Varadkar resigned his post earlier this year having been Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach when he took office in 2017, the first Taoiseach to be gay, and the first Taoiseach of colour. A GP who lives in Dublin with his partner, Varadkar was elected to the Irish parliament in 2007 while still in his twenties.
This autobiography will give readers “insights into experiences that only a Taoiseach could have” – speaking frankly with the Pope about the legacy of church abuses, connecting with Barack Obama over both being the “tall, dark guy with the funny name”, navigating major challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the fallout from Brexit.
Varadkar said: “I am enjoying writing my story and I was keen to do so while it was still fresh in my head. It’s as much a personal memoir as it is a book about political history. There is so much people know already about my time at the top but almost as much that they don’t. I have the freedom now to say things I could not while holding office and I have enough distance to reflect on the mistakes I made as much as what was achieved.”
McLoughlin said: “Leo Varadkar is one of Ireland’s most significant and interesting politicians and his frankness will make this a must-read for anyone with an interest in the modern political landscape.”
Edwards added: “Varadkar’s time in office had an enormously significant impact. His memoir promises to do the same. The complex political landscape through which he charted a course will make this book a vital read.”
