Joseph Kessel // The Road Back

For sure, Joseph Kessel (1898-1979) knew a lot about alcohol, either by himself and his own bouts of heavy drinking, or through the struggles of his third wife, Michèle O’Brien.

Kessel travellled to the United States in 1960 and unexpectedly discovered Alcoholics Anonymous, a grassroots movement unlike anything he had seen in France. Struck by its humility and the raw honesty of its members, he immerses himself in meetings and conversations. He then turns this experience into a vivid narrative, blending reportage and personal observation to show how AA helps people rebuild their lives “one day at a time.”

Originally published by Gallimard in 1960 as Avec les Alcooliques Anonymes.

First US Edition.

In very good condition in a very good, price-clipped Dust Jacket.