When Leslie McDonald wins a trip to Las Vegas, an absurd holiday becomes a pilgrimage; one that leads her back to joy, back to herself, and to the astonishing realisation that her life still belongs to her.

Leslie had felt for some time that life was a series of things that just happened to her. When her physiotherapist husband dumps her for a woman with superior posture, she finds herself lost without a map.

A ticket out of her misery comes in the form of an all-expenses paid trip to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Wonder, Leslie discovers, can be found in the most unexpected of places. Soon she falls in love with the beauty of the desert, its art and its people – and finds her way back to herself.

I Love the Whole World! is a celebration of life and self. Hilarious, joyous and beautifully observed, it is a novel about friendship, ageing and the extra/ordinary act of deciding to begin again.

Praise for ILTWW!

“…a novel of huge tenderness and humour that feels wildly, brilliantly, alive.” - Sophie Mackintosh

“In an era when fiction often signals seriousness and intelligence through irony and carefully articulated unhappiness, I Love the Whole World! feels like a buoyant inversion of literary expectations. By the final page, Hannan has made a persuasive case for remaining open to wonder as a radical act – and earned her exuberant title.” - Rachel Mead, InDaily SA

“Leslie is adorable and author Victoria Hannan has us share in her newfound spirit of adventure and joy.” - Linda Jaivin, TSP

“Bursting with curiosity, colour and sheer jubilation. As a reader this book was an unexpected relief. I didn't realise how much I needed this novel until I read it. Leslie's exuberance is contagious, and her story is a reminder of all the good that still exists in the world.” - Australian Women’s Weekly

“…but it’s a weirdly plausible improbability delivered, like the book’s optimism, without sentimentality or escapism…. Leslie finds, is to allow herself to be liberated from the limiting expectations placed upon her, and this droll, unpretentious feel-good book wears that wisdom lightly.” - The Age

"A warm hug of joy and inspiration." - Readings

"A joy to read" - Books + Publishing

"Something special...a beautiful story about a beautiful rekindling of life." - mamamia