Sylvain Prudhomme's acclaimed novel, 'By the Roads,' is a poignant exploration of freedom, fidelity, and the allure of an unrooted existence. Winning the prestigious Prix Femina in 2019, the book follows a man who, feeling restless, decides to reconnect with friends from his past who have embraced a nomadic lifestyle. As he journeys across France, he delves into their unconventional lives, reflecting on his own choices and the compromises of settled life. Prudhomme masterfully weaves a narrative that questions societal norms, celebrates alternative paths, and illuminates the profound connections formed on life's less-traveled roads, offering a deeply contemplative and beautifully written experience.