When you hear the term ‘addiction memoir’, you might think of the classic redemption narrative. This tends to begin with an account of a dysfunctional childhood, before moving on to descriptions of destructive indulgence leading to rock bottom and, finally, recovery. Sensational tales of depravity give way to wise musings on sobriety. Hard-won wisdom provides a satisfying ending to the story. 

Neither of these books fits this pattern. Both broaden the focus from the individual to the family, looking at the impact of addiction on relations between parents and children. In doing so, they challenge ideas of redemption and swerve neat conclusions.

Long Going by Sophie Calon is a memoir of her father’s alcoholism. The book opens with an account of a phone call from a friend bringing news of his death. He was fifty-five, living on the streets and in a hostel. His body was found in a car park. Calon