Leo Varadkar signs six-figure book deal with memoir to be published next year
The book will disclose how he spoke frankly with the Pope about church abuses, and how he connected with Barack Obama
![Leo Varadkar signs six-figure book deal with memoir to be published next year](https://europe.easybranches.com/uploads/news/2024/09/6777830.jpg)
Leo Varadkar has sold the rights to his memoir for what is believed to be a six-figure sum.
The former Taoiseach is set for a massive cash windfall after a bidding war involving nine publishers. The deal has been signed with Sandycove, an imprint of the publisher Penguin.
The autobiography, which will cover both his political and personal life, will be published late next year. Mr Varadkar was represented in the negotiations with Irish publishers by Max Edwards, a British literary agent.
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Mr Varadkar was the youngest-ever Taoiseach when he took office in 2017, as well as the first openly gay holder of the position. He surprised many by bowing out of politics in his mid-forties. However, his time in office was also controversial, with allegations that he leaked confidential documents to a friend.
According to the publisher, the new book will give readers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how he came into politics and became Taoiseach. It claims he will disclose how he spoke frankly with the Pope about the legacy of church abuses, and connected with Barack Obama.
In a statement issued by his publisher, Mr Varadkar said: “I am really 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.”
Mr Edwards said: “Leo Varadkar’s time in office had an enormous impact, and will leave a true legacy, in Ireland and further afield.
“The complex political landscape through which Leo charted a course, his inspirational personal story, and his unswerving frankness and honesty, will make this book a vital read.”
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