Binge Until Tragedy
Laden with the grief of losing his childhood best friend to suicide and the weight of the "Real World" approaching fast, Joel Lupo buys a one-way ticket to Paris after graduating from college.
With his faithful friends, Riley and Kev, at his side, a carry-on full of whiskey nips, and the promise of drugs, women and the chance to finally speak French (the damn beautiful tongue), Joel heads to Europe to seek adventure, excitement, and new vices.
But through the haze of hallucinogens and prostitutes, new friends and new lovers (Joel quite liked to use the word 'lover,' when in Europe), bloody red wine and absinthe, something gnaws at Joel in the pit. It follows him from Paris, across the pulsating cities of the continent. It takes hold of him and eats away at his thoughts, his mood, his friendships.
Across the warm waters of the Mediterranean, an awakening foments on the coasts of North Africa: Revolution.
What People Are Saying
“Binge Until Tragedy by Ben D’Alessio is a novel that explores social issues and one man’s journey to come to terms with a gnawing sensation he feels in the pit of his stomach, and his vices, a story with powerful psychological overtones…[the] novel explores many themes that are beautifully woven into the story, including love and friendship, politics, the pursuit of pleasure, and addiction. At times the story reads like a coming-of-age. I enjoyed the way the author explores the mental climates and the mindscapes of the protagonist, a story with a powerful psychological conflict. The characters are well-developed and, from the start, the reader is intrigued by the conversation taking place in the protagonist’s mind, the voice that speaks to him. Binge Until Tragedy features a well-paced plot, a cast of memorable characters, and great writing. The story is very entertaining as it showcases contemporary European culture.”
— Arya Fomonyuy, Reader’s Favorite