The Real Way Out

Prague’s Žižkov district in the 1990s reeked of desolation, drugs, alcohol and fights, and growing up in the local Romani communities meant only one thing: being destined to become yet another “unadaptable” person, as some members of the public like to label the Roma.

Journalist Patrik Banga’s true story is different, though. It chronicles his life journey from a Romani neighborhood to becoming a journalist for leading Czech media outlets. In a raw and very candid style, it depicts the reality of a teenage boy who, from an early age, faces rejection, criminalization, racism, and police brutality. And he searches for a real way out.

The book won the Magnesia Litera Award for Debut of the Year and was subsequently translated into German, English and Arabic.

Published by Host.