Love in a Time of Politics

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What to expect

'Wise, moving, deeply honest.' MARY McALEESE

'Tender, funny, humane - a memoir of the courage it takes to lead change.' EMILIE PINE

'This is a love story that changed our country forever.' ALI HEWSON

During her second year as an Irish government minister, Katherine Zappone's world was upended when her beloved wife, Ann Louise Gilligan, suffered a catastrophic brain haemorrhage. Their partnership had guided landmark Irish battles for marriage equality and reform of Ireland's constitutional ban on abortion. But their greatest challenge now lay before them.

As Ann Louise fought for survival, Katherine was embroiled in the cut and thrust of modern Irish politics - including seeking justice for the forgotten children of Tuam, putting her at the heart of Ireland's reckoning with its past. All the while, she faced the quiet devastation of impending loss and, later, the grief that followed. Then, in 2021, came political controversy that would shake her to the core.

Love in a Time of Politics is a story of enduring love between two trailblazing women, as well as a rare insider's account of political life in Ireland during a time of seismic social change. With honesty, warmth and wisdom, it reveals how compassion can shape policy, and how conviction can sustain even the most broken heart.

Critics Review

Wise, moving, deeply honest. Katherine Zappone tells a moving story of the great love she shared with Ann Louise Gilligan and how these two talented, public spirited women were able to change the lives of so many others through their inspirational education projects, their advocacy for women's rights and gay rights and their immersion in complex contemporary politics. Together they helped change Ireland and despite the grief of Ann Louise's untimely death, the spirit of generosity these two remarkable women exemplify still courses generously through Irish life
Mary McAleese
This powerful and compelling memoir charts the lives and loves of two remarkable women and inspiring activists, the late and much loved Ann Louise Gilligan and, her wife, Katherine Zappone, former minister for Children, Disability, and Equality. It offers unique insights into some of the most important moments in the history of early 21st century Ireland, especially the Marriage Equality Referendum (2015) and the Repeal of the Eighth Amendment (2018). Uplifting, moving, and reaffirming, this is a must read memoir
Jane Ohlmeyer
Tender, funny, humane - a memoir of the courage it takes to lead change
Emilie Pine
This is a love story that changed our country forever
Ali Hewson
Heart-breaking ... Zappone's memoir moves between the personal and the political
Irish Times

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