Roads (novel)

Roads is a 2019 coming-of-age novel by German author Jackie Thomae. It tells the story of two young men from different backgrounds, William, a British teenager, and Gyllen, a Congolese man, who meet unexpectedly in Morocco and embark on a journey together across Europe.

The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, cultural differences, family relationships, and the complexities of migration. William is running away from his complicated family life in Britain, while Gyllen is searching for his missing brother. Their shared experience of being outsiders and their growing friendship form the core of the narrative.

The journey across Europe serves as a backdrop for exploring the social and political landscape of the continent, including issues of racism, prejudice, and the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants. The narrative alternates between William and Gyllen's perspectives, offering insight into their individual experiences and the development of their relationship.

Roads received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of its characters, its exploration of timely social issues, and its engaging storytelling. It was adapted into a film of the same name, directed by Sebastian Schipper and released in 2019.