Little A lands Bowser's 'moving' memoir

Little A, Amazon Publishing’s non-fiction imprint, has acquired “moving and ultimately hopeful” memoir Bittersweet: a Story of Love and Loss by acclaimed journalist Lotte Bowser.

Editor Victoria Haslam acquired world English rights from Megan Staunton at Bergstrom Studio. It will publish in September 2024,

Bowser is a multi-hyphenate whose work includes lifestyle and culture writing for Refinery29 and ITV’s Woo, pieces for Harper’s Bazaar, the Express and the Mirror, and "The Lemonade Podcast" where she interviews guests about their stories of hardship and resilience. She is also an advocate for grief and loss awareness, and co-wrote a digital workbook called Now What? in 2021, aimed at supporting people experiencing bereavement.

Bittersweet documents her relationship with fiancé Ben before his death from incurable cancer in 2021. It follows her journey of learning to live and thrive again after loss, exploring an often taboo and awkward subject.

Haslam said: “As soon as I began to read Lotte’s early chapters of Bittersweet, I felt a deep connection to her – as a writer and storyteller, but also in a very human way. It is a privilege to assist in sharing the story of Lotte and Ben and there is something for everyone within these pages – learnings about love, resilience, and ultimately hope.”

Bowser said: “Bittersweet is my story of losing the person I couldn’t live without and learning to do just that. It is as much about life as it is death; a raw and intimate account of trauma and grief, as well as all the joy and beauty that has found its way into my life since. I hope my writing provides comfort, solidarity and hope to readers, no matter what they’re facing.”

Staunton said: “Lotte and Ben’s story is one for the ages. A triumph of love, loss and light, Bittersweet captures the profundity and celebration of finding your person, and the devastation of what happens when we lose them. It is one of the most moving memoirs I’ve read and I’m delighted that their story will be immortalised in print thanks to Victoria at Little A."

Mouncif Faqir, director of Amazon Books Europe, said: “Bittersweet is a powerful and moving memoir that I know will speak to readers everywhere.”