Catastrophe is the story of a Jewish mother who discovers, much to her shock and horror, that not only is her well-grounded, beautiful, talented, and King David-educated daughter gay – but she's also a down-and-out drug addict, hopelessly hooked on highly addictive Cat (a synthetic amphetamine containing the substance methcathinone).

When Anne Lapedus Brest discovers the secret life of her daughter Angela, this mother's once safe little world of Shabbos dinners, shopping centres and family gatherings is shaken to the core as a dark world, filled with lies, desperation, pawn shops and forged cheques, becomes a daily occurrence.

It's a story that will resonate with every parent, brother, sister, husband, wife or friend of an addict: the helplessness, the frustration, the denial, the terror, the false promises, the financial ruin, the shameful degradation and the noose of unconditional love.

Catastrophe is also a wake-up call to addiction, the scourge that affects 1 in every 8 South Africans, that spans across religion, colour and creed, sparing none along its ravenous path. Told in an easy-to-read and often entertaining way, the book will inform and educate on the tell-tale signs of addiction, and give practical help and insights to the loved ones of addicts to help navigate their way through it.

Ultimately Catastrophe is a story of hope and redemption as addict Angela claws her way into recovery while mother Anne's unconditional love and relentless support for her daughter shine and triumph.