A life of abstinence is not a peaceful one. Quite the opposite: it’s the ultimate struggle. Zarca has written an extreme novel that does justice to its subject and casts a light on contemporary society and its deficiencies.

“I’m an addict.” This is a phrase Johann Zarca has repeated for five years—a life of abstinence shared in Narcotics Anonymous meetings with current and former users. Through this experience, he’s discovered that the fight for abstinence is one of the most extreme struggles a person can endure, and he uses it to expose one of society’s darkest realities. Zarca has crafted a brilliant narrative device to tell the story of Sonia, a young woman fleeing rehab and a endearing gallery of characters.

After Sonia completes rehab, she tries to escape her abusive ex, a drug dealer she stole money from. Sébastien, a lost soul in love with her, searches for her in the streets of Paris. Redouane, an ex-gangster, struggles with his addiction to money and violence. Lucy, a former heroin addict turned therapist, seeks her missing son. Aymeric, a teacher, anxiously awaits the birth of his daughter.

United by their pasts as addicts, the five support each other in staying sober. But their bond weakens when Sonia falls back into the clutches of her ex. This novel dives deep into the emotional struggles of those fighting addiction and the fragile strength of their recovery.