Roam: A Search for Happiness

Juno Roche's memoir, Roam, is a powerful and honest account of her journey through life, including her diagnosis with HIV and her struggles with drug addiction. It is a must-read for anyone who loves Educated, Deborah Levy, and Motherwell. Roche's writing is filled with heart, wit, and charm, and her story is unforgettable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Dialogue

Roche is a captivating and profoundly honest memoir that delves into a journey that is both humorous and heart-wrenching. Hannah Lowe, the esteemed winner of the Costa Prize, has praised Roche's work as being among the finest in its genre.

Born into a working-class family in London during the sixties, Roche's upbringing was marked by a fusion of violence and love. Their father embodied a juxtaposition of these two emotions, while their mother resorted to addiction as a means of survival. Despite the challenges posed by their upbringing, Roche found solace in school, where they temporarily escaped the tumultuous circumstances of their home life.

However, their journey took a tragic turn when Roche was diagnosed with HIV, a disease that was then considered a death sentence. Undeterred, Roche emerged as a survivor, defying the odds and overcoming the limitations imposed by their diagnosis. They pursued higher education, earned a degree, and embarked on a career as an artist, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Yet, the scars of their past lingered, and Roche's struggle with drug addiction became a defining aspect of their life. Fueled by a desire to escape the pain and trauma of their childhood, they resorted to drug use, often supported by sex work. Their journey led them across the sea to a tiny village in Spain, where they sought solace and a fresh start.

In this incredibly honest and brave memoir, Roche takes readers on a journey through the pivotal moments of their life. From their mother's Christmas cards containing Valium to the harrowing life-threatening experiences of drug withdrawal on a River Nile cruise, Roche's memoir is a testament to their unwavering resilience and unwavering pursuit of survival.

Through their memoir, Roche explores the complexities of their relationship with their family, confronting their father's violence and finding solace in the pursuit of their dream house in Spain. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying alive, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Roche's memoir is a profound exploration of the human experience, filled with emotional depth, tragedy, and unfathomable humor. It is an unforgettable masterpiece that will leave readers deeply moved and inspired.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349702339