House of Books & Friends will be the vnue for the launch of Sophie Calon’s debut memoir Long Going (Honno, £12.99 June 2025).
A story of breaking destructive cycles, Long Going is an unflinching memoir of alcoholism, family, and resilience. The launch will take place on Thursday 26 June, shortly after Father’s Day.
Sophie will be joined by Dr Piers Henriques, director of communications at Nacoa – a charity that works to address the needs of children affected by a parent’s drinking. They will discuss the challenges for children of alcoholics, the potential long-term effects, and what it means to survive.
At 50, Sophie Calon’s father was a high-flying lawyer. At 55, he was found dead in Cardiff city centre at Christmas. Meanwhile he had pinballed between tents, homeless shelters, and prison cells. His story is a lesson in how alcoholism can consume a person and a family. Long Going is a powerful memoir that sings with Sophie’s love for her eccentric, witty father while recounting his drink-fuelled disintegration. In telling his story, Sophie explores her family’s instability and pain as well as her own survival.
“Throughout my childhood, our family’s struggles went unsaid. We kept our problems to ourselves. I hope that Long Going will help to open up conversations about alcoholism, particularly the impacts that addiction can have on loved ones. My dad died from drinking, but I hope this story can ensure his legacy will live on and support others to deal with similar situations.” — says Sophie
