The Last Love Song

The first printed biography of Joan Didion, the distinguished American author and journalist, delving deep into her iconic life and work.

In The Last Love Song, Tracy Daugherty, the critically acclaimed author of Hiding Man (a New Yorker and New York Times Notable book) and Just One Catch, presents a mesmerizing account of the life of Joan Didion, the revered writer known for her unique literary style in both fiction and nonfiction.

Didion lived a public and private life with her late husband, writer John Gregory Dunne, whom she met while working in New York City. They became a powerhouse writing duo when they moved to Los Angeles and collaborated on screenplays and adaptations.

Tracing Didion's life from her early days in Sacramento to her later years as a literary icon, Daugherty interviewed numerous friends and colleagues while maintaining a respectful distance from his reclusive subject. The result is an intimate portrait that reads like fiction, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind and work of a true American original.

With notable works like Slouching Towards Bethlehem, Run River, and the National Book Award-winning The Year of Magical Thinking, Didion left an indelible mark on American literature. Both lifelong fans and new readers will be captivated by this impressive tribute to her remarkable life and career.