The Story of a Heart

Honored with the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction 2025 and a contender for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2024, this book has been celebrated as a Book of the Year by The Spectator, New Statesman, New Scientist, and Prospect. Chris Evans, speaking on Virgin Radio, described it as "the perfect book," while Rob Delaney called it "profoundly moving and wildly inspiring." The Financial Times hails it as Rachel Clarke's best work yet, and Christie Watson praises it as a profound piece of investigative journalism interwoven with poetry. Laura Cumming considers it the most beautiful and captivating book she has read, highlighting its humanity, empathy, and eloquence. This compelling narrative explores the remarkable transformation of one family's grief into a life-saving legacy. With deep compassion and clarity, Dr. Rachel Clarke recounts the urgent journey of a young girl's heart, delving into a century-long history of extraordinary medical advancements. These achievements involved the skills and dedication of a vast network of professionals, including surgeons, physicians, immunologists, nurses, and scientists. The book is a follow-up to Dr. Clarke's previous bestsellers "Dear Life" and "Breathtaking," the latter of which inspired a major TV drama.