A Pocketful of Happiness

Richard E. Grant's memoir A Pocketful of Happiness is a candid account of acting and show business, as well as an intimate and heartfelt story of love, loss, and a life spent together. It is written in honor of his late wife, Joan Washington, who challenged him to find "a pocketful of happiness in every day." The memoir is filled with raw detail and humor, celebrating the unexpected joys of life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

A Pocketful of Happiness is a captivating memoir that delves into the realms of acting and show business, offering a beautifully candid account of the author's experiences. It seamlessly weaves together an intimate and heartfelt story of love, loss, and a life spent together, making it an honor to be invited into these diaries. The author's words evoke a profound sense of emotion, leaving readers moved to their very core. It is difficult to recall a book that has had such a profound impact on me.

Dame Julie Walters, in her review, describes the memoir as "fascinating, funny, and heart-wrenching." She praises it for its ability to take readers on an emotional rollercoaster, providing profound moments of moving and delightful entertainment. Walters highlights the brilliance of the memoir, describing it as a "brilliant memoir about living, loving, and losing." Bernardine Evaristo, another esteemed reviewer, praises the book as "one of the bravest, strongest, funniest memoirs I've ever read." She applauds the author for her courage in sharing such personal and vulnerable experiences, calling it "a deeply moving memoir from one of our greatest actors." David Walliams, another renowned figure, adds his praise, describing the memoir as "a deeply moving memoir from one of our greatest actors."

Richard E. Grant's journey begins in 1982 when he emigrated from Swaziland to London with the aspiration of pursuing a career as an actor. However, his path took an unexpected turn when he met and fell in love with renowned dialect coach Joan Washington. Their relationship and marriage endured the test of time, navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, parenthood, and loss. Tragically, Joan passed away in 2021, leaving behind a final challenge for her husband: to find "a pocketful of happiness in every day."

In honor of this challenge, Richard has faithfully kept a diary since childhood, and in A Pocketful of Happiness, he shares in raw detail everything he has experienced. The memoir is a powerful, funny, and moving celebration of life's unexpected joys. Told with candor and in Richard's unique style, it offers a glimpse into the author's life, from his breakthrough role in Withnail & I to his thrilling Oscar nomination thirty years later for Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Through his diary entries, Richard paints a vivid picture of his life with Joan, sharing the joys, challenges, and profound moments they experienced together. The book is filled with laughter, tears, and moments of reflection, reminding readers of the beauty and complexity of human relationships. It is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the ability to find happiness even in the face of adversity.

A Pocketful of Happiness is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted memoir. It offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable actor and the extraordinary love story he shared with his wife. Richard's words are honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious, making the book an engaging and entertaining read. This memoir is a powerful reminder that life is full of unexpected surprises and that finding joy in the simplest of moments can bring immense happiness and fulfillment.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398519473