Author Abigail Dean: ‘Fiction Lets Me Test How People Survive the Unthinkable’

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MY GUEST THIS WEEK: ABIGAIL DEAN

This week, I’m joined by Abigail Dean—bestselling author of Girl A, Day One, and now The Death of Us, a gripping psychological thriller that explores trauma, trust and romantic fear. But this conversation goes far beyond fiction. Abigail opens up about her teenage battle with anorexia and her time in the Priory.

We talk about the long road to recovery, the decision to leave a high-flying legal career at Google, and how motherhood helped her finally make space to write. We also explore what it means to live with the threat of relapse, the emotional weight of writing dark stories, and the power of teenage friendship to save a life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to rewrite your own story—or if it’s too late to do so—Abigail’s honesty and insight might be the answer you’re looking for.

LET’S STAY IN TOUCH

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📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might be looking for inspiration—it really helps.

Bryony xx

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

📚 The Death of Us by Abigail Dean - Out Now!

A chilling but tender psychological thriller about trauma, love, and what it means to trust someone—including yourself.

📚 Girl A by Abigail Dean

A bestseller about the long shadows of childhood trauma and the complicated bonds between siblings.

📚 Day One by Abigail Dean

An exploration of collective grief, conspiracy theories, and community resilience in the aftermath of tragedy.

CREDITS

🎙 Presenter: Bryony Gordon

🎙 Guest: Abigail Dean

🎧 Content Producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan

🎥 Audio & Video Editor: Luke Shelley

📢 Executive Producer: Mike Wooller

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

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